Time is running out for the Port Matilda Volunteer Fire Company.
Foreclosure looms as the company struggles to raise upwards of $94,000 to make good on back mortgage payments on their firehouse, as well as on debt owed on their tanker truck, “Tanker 15-15.”
Now, they’re appealing, not only to the people they serve, but to anyone who hears their plea and feels compelled to help.
“We were unable to make balloon payments on our building and tanker by the March 31 deadline,” explained Port Matilda Fire Chief “Butch” Rudy. “Now, we’re facing foreclosure and the loss of our tanker.
“We have until the end of this month to make these payments, totaling over $94,000 — about $67,000 on the tanker and close to $28,000 on the building.”
Fire officials fear if the company were to be closed, response time in the immediate area of Port Matilda Borough during times of emergency could be lengthened, in some cases, by up to 30 minutes.
Earlier last week, the company opted to form a financial advisory board to help sort out the dilemma. The five-member panel, made up of one individual from each municipality the company serves, now holds financial control of the company and is spearheading the effort to save it.
Lee Pressler, who represents Halfmoon Township, Centre County, will chair the “Save the Fire Company” committee. The other four members are Chris English, Taylor Township; Richard Harpster, Worth Township; Sam Lykens, Port Matilda; and Liz Neff, Huston Township, all in Centre County.
The Port Matilda Fire Company serves Taylor Township jointly with the Bald Eagle Fire Company.
“We’ve put out a plea to everyone in our service area to make a donation,” Chief Rudy explained. “We’ve asked every homeowner and business owner, not to mention those who travel through this area on Routes 550, 322 and 220, on their way to and from work, to make a one-time gift of $50. If this were to happen, it would constitute enough to make the needed payments.
“The advisory board has set up a special account at Omega Bank so people can stop by the Port Matilda Borough branch office and make the donations. People from out of our area can also make donations at any other Omega Bank branch office, as long as they indicate that it’s for the ‘Save the Fire Company’ fund.”
Chief Rudy said that, while no official figures are available at the present, preliminary reports indicate that there has been a “decent response” to the call for help, but the clock continues to tick. Badly needed state funding that would, at least in part, cover debts and expenses, will not come available until July.
“Our committee members have been very busy, distributing flyers throughout the neighborhoods, spreading the word,” Rudy said. “We’re in a critical spot and we’re running very short on time.
“We are the only fire and rescue station in a very rural area. Even if we were to save the building but lose the tanker, it would be a big loss. That tanker carries 1,800 gallons of water to supply our pumper; it’s a vital tool.”
The financial advisory board has set four goals: Save the building; pay outstanding debts, such as utilities; save the tanker and pay bills ahead through July. If these goals are met, the company will be able to turn to local state legislators for available funding.
“We’re looking to anyone who can help and we know there are plenty of people out there, even out of our area, who would want to help,” Rudy said. “We provide needed services for the surrounding communities. It’s very important that we’re able to continue providing those services.”
To make a contribution by mail, send your check to: Port Matilda Fire Company, Save the Fire Company Fund, P.O. Box 155, Port Matilda, PA 16870, or stop by any Omega Bank branch office. Remember to indicate your gift is for the Port Matilda Fire Company Fund.
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On The Net:
Port Matilda Fire Company: www.portmatilda.com
