6/30/17
by News Department on 06/30/17Fire Training funds...
Schuylkill County commissioners issued the first $50,000 of a $500,000 contribution to the Schuylkill County volunteer firefighters’ association for a new training facility.
Commissioners’ Chairman George F. Halcovage Jr. said the money will come from the county’s general fund, and be recouped after a newly increased hotel tax goes into effect on July 1.
The hotel tax, which commissioners on April 26 increased from 3 percent to 5 percent, is levied on overnight accommodations.
The increase will help fund the county’s contribution to a $1.4 million fire training center on Firemen’s Road just outside Frackville, and boost economic development.
Commissioners in August pledged up to $500,000 over 10 years for the center.
The county visitors’ bureau will continue to receive 3 percent of the revenue.
