Hanover council pauses action after finance director flags rising EMS costs in fire commission study

Hanover Borough Council paused a decision on whether to remain in the Hanover Area Fire Commission after Finance Director Shelton presented a council‑commissioned financial review that identified escalating costs and accounting concerns.

At the Nov. 25 meeting, Shelton told the council the commission has received ‘‘qualified’’ audit opinions for four consecutive years for failing to provide sufficient evidence supporting EMS billing and subscriptions, a problem he said creates compliance risk. Shelton reported an approximate year‑to‑date loss through October of $1,000,000 and said EMS-related expenses account for about 65% of the commission’s budget. He presented a graphic estimating the borough could save about $11,000,000 between 2019 and 2036 if it were not in the commission and outlined options including leaving the commission with a 12‑month transition (target go‑live 01/01/2027), issuing a request for proposals for external EMS providers, improving financial controls, or adopting a dedicated fire millage.

Shelton said outsourcing advanced life‑support services to providers such as WellSpan or UPMC could preserve resident access to EMS without placing the full financial burden on the borough. He recommended changes ranging from a negotiated reorganization of the commission to an intermunicipal agreement that would give Hanover greater financial decision control if the borough remains.

Public comment at the meeting was divided. Mark Elksness, a Penn Township commissioner and co‑vice chair of the fire commission, urged Hanover Borough to remain a partner, saying ‘‘Penn Township wants this to work’’ and warning separation costs — including equipment and personnel impacts — could exceed some estimates. Tom Allison, president‑elect of Hanover Fire and Rescue for 2026, also urged cooperative fixes and highlighted operational efficiencies the joint commission provides, noting the high cost of duplicating major apparatus such as ladder trucks. Justin Hyland, another Penn Township commissioner, proposed drafting a new intergovernmental cooperation agreement as an alternative to withdrawal.

Residents voiced a mix of concern and calls for transparency. Anne Baker (Ward 5) said the information presented was ‘‘concerning’’ and urged better public access to fire commission agendas and minutes. Michael Newman, current chair of the fire commission, told the council his decision to step away was due to growing business commitments and not because he had lost confidence in the commission.

The chair told residents the council would not decide the matter on Nov. 25. The motion to remove agenda item 6.03 from immediate consideration was made and the item was tabled; the chair said any formal action would appear on a future written agenda posted to the borough website. Council members asked residents to engage local firefighters and borough staff about service levels while the council vets fiscal and operational options.

Next steps: council tabled formal action and signaled more study and public engagement before taking a vote on remaining in or leaving the commission. Shelton’s report and the options he outlined will be part of that future discussion.