Mar 20, 2013 1 min read

Only a minority of households and businesses in Bethel Park contribute to the volunteer fire company. A new tax is proposed as the only solution – but is it? A less contentious remedy might be for the fire company to adopt the insurance principle (a property owner without insurance has made a decision and knows that a loss will not be compensated). Several years ago, “60 Minutes” reported on the fire company in Scottsdale, Ariz., which protects only the properties of subscribers. The company responds to all alarms and assists building occupants, but does not act to save properties of owners who have declined insurance.

It may not be necessary for Bethel Park to change the home rule charter or create a new tax. The fire company needs only to know who is helping to pull the wagon, and to speak clearly to those riding in the wagon.

Anthony Mayne

Bethel Park