Vernon considers stipends for volunteers

VERNON — The Vernon Township Council will hold a public hearing on March 9 on whether to award a stipend to volunteer emergency services personnel in the township.

The stipend is strongly supported by Councilman Brian Lynch, who presented it to his colleagues.

"For some months now I've championed whether we should provide a stipend for our emergency services personnel," said Lynch, "I would like my fellow council members to stand with me on this issue."

A $300 a year allowance would be given to all 176 eligible EMS personnel. In order to qualify, a member must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid state driver's license, be in active service for two years, an active member in good standing with all departments and is required to complete all mandated training.

Stipend recipients will be required to meet at least 30 percent of all emergency calls and 50 percent of department drills. Members that volunteer with both EMS and Fire Dept. must choose which departmental budget from which to receive their yearly allowance.

The total cost to Vernon's budget would be just more than $52,000 per year to fund.

"I understand that this becoming a budget item will affect the tax burden," Lynch said. "Hopefully it will not increase it."

Overall sentiment favors passing the ordinance, which if passed would require offset in the budget.

"It's a good start," Councilwoman Jean Murphy said. "It doesn't sound like enough, but, it's a good start."

"This is very noble, these people are very deserving.", Council President Patrick Rizzuto said.

The ordinance was placed on the March 9th meeting agenda and will be open for a public hearing at that time. The council is expected to vote on the issue following the public hearing.