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S. Strabane supers discuss firefighter, bingo controversy
Staff writer
chriscam@observer-reporter.com
A debate over whether paid South Strabane Township firefighters should be allowed to assist with weekly bingo while on duty was brought before the supervisors on Tuesday.
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But this week, Supervisor Thomas Moore said the idea that a firefighter could get hurt at a bingo game was "ludicrous."
"What's he going to do? Get hit by a flying dauber?" he asked.
Supervisor Edward Mazur, who helps with Monday bingo at the Oak Springs fire hall, said firefighters spend only about 15 to 20 minutes assisting with cleanup efforts.
As far as safety is concerned, he said it takes longer for a firefighter to go from the lounge to the fire truck than it does to go from the bingo hall to the same truck.
"I timed it myself using the chief," he said.
The board also discussed whether the township would be liable if they allowed the practice and a worker's compensation claim resulted. Last week, firefighters in the audience said if the officers were not permitted to help, it would require them to end the games.
With the township in belt-tightening mode, Moore wondered why supervisors would want to take away a source of revenue.
"I'd like to know where all of this came from," said Mazur. "This falls under 'Leave well enough alone.'"
The motion to allow firefighters to help passed 3-2 with Robert Hollick and Daniel Piatt voting no and Mazur, Moore and Robert Koman voting yes.
During public comment, Jeff Bull, a businessman in the township, questioned why the township was in financial distress.
"You make it sound like the sky is falling," he said.
"I resent that," Hollick responded, adding he had an obligation to let citizens know the financial situation of the township nearing the end of the year.
Hollick noted a fund balance does exist, but it is money set aside for a new road shed and improvements to the park.
Supervisors hope mercantile tax and $125,000 from the tax increment financing fund expected by the end of the year would help avoid any tax increase.
Also at the meeting, the board decided 5-0 not to extend its contract with the Trinity School District for use of its ball field in Community Park for a 16th year. Trinity representatives had asked for the extension, claiming they could not use the ball field because of its poor condition.
Supervisors dispute Trinity's claim that the field was unusable.
"They did not use the field by their choice," Moore said.
