By: ALICE HUMMER Review Correspondent, Staff Writer

Denver Borough Council members held a lively discussion about a possible 2013 fire tax at its Aug. 27 meeting.

Fire company donations are down. The company uses time and energy on many, fundraisers and expenses for equipment, maintenence, training and improvement to their facility are not able to be planned for and met.

"I know the fire company needs money, but we’re going to see multiple families living together just to pay their taxes," said councilman Steve Binkley. "I don’t have an answer."

"The thing that struck me is the number of businesses that responded to the fund drive — 26 percent," said councilman Mike Gensemer. "That’s only one in four. Thirty percent of residents responded. It’s hard to believe that seven out of 10 people do not contribute. Is that fair?"

Council’s finance committee met with Denver Fire Company officials on August 16.

"I did not invite the fire company to the meeting since this is our first discussion of a fire tax," said Mike Hession, borough manager.

Fire company representatives will be invited to the next meeting, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. Several council members expressed hope that community members will attend to learn more.

In other business:

? Revised hours were approved for Denver Memorial Park. New hours are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April 1 until Oct. 31. From Nov. 1 to March 31, hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exempt from these regulations are organized activities such as football practice, the Denver Fair, Boy Scout activities and activities occurring at the Recreation Center.

? Council adopted Resolution No. 759, authorizing the acquisition of 521 Poplar Street, Denver. The borough intends to advertise the sale of the property, with a minimum bid of $35,000.

? Approval was made to send the owners of two Locust Street residences a notice to clean up the debris in their yard within 10 days or face a hearing at the district justice’s office. Each property owner has received multiple prior notices over several years. Compliance is not maintained after the clean-up occurs.

? Council was updated on the BonView Estates basic sinkholes/irregularities with which they’ve been dealing since 2006. On the advice of the solicitor, who said the developer cannot be held to this area forever, the developer will have monies in escrow released after all conditions are met and he reapplies for the release of monies.