Ringtown Valley Fire Co. asks borough, township to allow insurance provider billing
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - A Ringtown Valley fire truck leads a procession under a flag arch in downtown Pottsville on August 30, 2020.
RINGTOWN – Two valley communities this week were asked to consider an ordinance to allow the local fire company to bill insurance providers for calls they respond to.
Members of the Ringtown Valley Fire Co. attended Monday’s Ringtown Borough Council meeting and Tuesday’s Union Township Supervisors meeting.
“Right now, with just fundraising, we’re barely covering the cost to keep running,” Kate Micklesavage, representing the fire company, told Union Township. “All of our gear is about to expire within a year and to replace all of our gear is over $200,000.”
She said billing insurance providers would help defray the cost of equipment maintenance.
The fire company has a third-party billing company lined up already.
Asked if it would increase insurance costs for residents, Micklesavage said it shouldn’t. Insurance companies, she said, typically have a fire clause included.
“I think it’s a great idea to help you folks defray the costs that you incur,” Solicitor Robert Matta said. “It’s absolutely something that I would recommend to the supervisors to begin the process [to adopt an ordinance.]”
“I’m in favor of starting a draft for an ordinance,” Supervisor Dave Briggs said.
The board voted 3-0 to approve drafting an ordinance. It will be brought up for a vote to advertise at the October meeting and could be finally approved in November.
The Shenandoah Sentinel was the ONLY local news source at this meeting, and has been the ONLY local news source covering Ringtown Borough Council and Union Township supervisors for well over a year. If you find value in our reporting and in knowing what YOUR local elected leaders are doing, PLEASE consider contributing to our efforts via Patreon or Buy Me A Coffee.
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