Ingram council took the first step toward dropping the volunteer fire company that has served the borough for more than 100 years.
Council voted 5-1 Monday night to legally advertise an intergovernmental agreement between the borough and the city of Pittsburgh for fire protection services. By law, the legal ad must run in a newspaper for 30 days before the borough council can formally vote on a contract.
Borough council is expected to vote on the proposal at its April 11 meeting. But at Monday’s meeting, there were tears and jeers from citizens and volunteer firefighters who fear that the end has come for the Ingram Volunteer Fire Department.
Voting to advertise the agreement were council President Sam Nucci and members Karen Dixon, Greg Butler, Don Bennett and Samantha Wilfert. Councilman Jerry Ellis voted no. Councilman Joe Chesno was absent.
“You have destroyed this community,” said Donna Browning, as the meeting was adjourned and more than 100 spectators were asked to leave the borough building. She is the wife of fire Chief Don Browning.
Mayor Sharon Stetz, who late last year made the initial overture to Pittsburgh officials, does not vote on council motions unless there is a tie vote.