New information publicly surfaced at the recent Bristol Borough Council meeting regarding the financial state of affairs for Bristol Consolidated Fire Company.
Credit: Jeff Bohen/LevittownNow.
During the public participation segment of Monday’s meeting, Chris Asplen, representing fire companies 25 and 53, made an appearance to present findings acquired through a Freedom of Information Act.
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In the information found in the information request, Asplen said he discovered that Station 50, which is located in the borough building, was paying only $3,200 per year to the town government for renting its space. According to Asplen, the lease establishing the rental parameters were signed in 1999. The lease was modified in 2005 to last until 2020. In the extended lease, rental payments were suspended for the remaining years in the original lease. The rent-free period would last until 2008.
“The lease specifically said they were not responsible for any expenses other than insurance,” Asplen said.
Asplen noted that his clients, the firefighters of stations 53 and 25 have actual expenses.
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President of the Council, Ralph DiGuiseppe spoke about the rent free years, explaining that the fire company “gave up a lot,” in terms of space to the borough so that the borough could upgrade municipal and police facilities.
“They did give up a lot for what they have,” noted DiGuiseppe.
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“Our point is, from today moving on, they’re not having to pay expenses that our clients are having to pay, and our clients are having money taken away from them, and is being given to a company that doesn’t have to pay rent and expenses like that,” explained Asplen.
According to Borough Manager James Dillon, the company is paying $3,200 every year as a result of the inquiries initiated by Asplen.
“What we will be asking for in the future is a resolution that establishes five fire departments in Bristol Borough,” stated Asplen.
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Related:
- Fire Company Allocation Motion Tabled, Feelings Left Smoldering
- Bristol Council Votes Against Proposal to Fund 4 of 5 Fire Companies
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