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Two Antis fire departments could merge

Two volunteer fire departments operating in Antis Township could become one, as their members announced Thursday that they are willing to participate in a consolidation study.

“After many years and many discussions … we feel now is the right time for the township and the two fire companies … to explore the possibility of a fire company merger,” Township Manager Lucas Martsolf said.

Martsolf stood at a podium to address township supervisors, and officials of both Excelsior and Pinecroft volunteer fire departments stood by his side.

The fire department leaders remained mostly quiet Thursday, but Martsolf said they had “agreed that it is in the best interest of the community at large to at least explore … any route to improve fire services.”

That exploration is to be led by the state Department of Com­munity and Economic Develop­ment.

Antis Township supervisors voted unanimously Thursday to send DCED employees a letter of intent, requesting assistance through a study to see if a merger is feasible.

Martsolf said DCED officials have offered to pay for a consultant who would lead the consolidation study.

“This is only the first step, but I think that it’s a step long overdue,” Martsolf said at the meeting.

Three fire departments once served Antis Town­ship, with each covering a third of the geographic area, but that changed in 2016.

That June, supervisors voted unanimously to decertify and cut off financial support to Tipton-Antis Volunteer Fire Department.

The decision came after a financial and procedural audit produced negative results, namely poor record keeping and a lack of internal controls by department officials.

After the decertification, Excelsior Volunteer Fire Department — based in Bellwood Borough — took over primary coverage in Tipton-Antis’ previous response area.

Last month, Antis leaders chose to withhold an annual donation to Pinecroft Volunteer Fire Department, with Martsolf explaining that funds would be dispersed only after the department’s records were audited.

A week later, it was revealed that a member of the Pinecroft department, whose identity was not disclosed, had stolen about $1,000 through the unauthorized use of a gas card.

Township officials did not comment at that time, but Pinecroft President Guy Teeter confirmed the theft.

The thief had confessed, and he is suspended from the company until he is able to repay what was stolen, Teeter said.

On Thursday, Martsolf said the Pinecroft department still will be audited, but he denied that the consolidation study was a result of the recent theft.

Instead, Martsolf said township officials have been working toward a consolidation study for several years.

At an earlier meeting, Excelsior members agreed to participate in the study. On Thursday, Teeter said he expects the same from Pinecroft’s membership at meeting later this month.

“All we want is what’s best for the residents of Antis Township,” Teeter said Thursday.

Antis supervisors expressed their excitement about the study, as well as the departments’ cooperation.

“I sincerely appreciate the representation tonight,” supervisors’ Chairman Dave Worthing said. “This is an overall goal for our township.”

Supervisor Robert Smith said the same.

“You know what, guys? This is a big step,” Smith said. “You deserve a great deal of credit.”

Martsolf pointed out that the DCED study will lead to recommendations for fire service improvements, but they will not be mandated.

“Nothing in the study that comes out is binding in any way,” Martsolf said.

Mirror Staff Writer Sean Sauro is at 946-7535.

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