Officials from Orbisonia-Rockhill Volunteer Fire Co. in Huntingdon County say the department’s future is in jeopardy. 

Both the fire chief and president of the department said they have had to make some tough financial decisions over the past eight years due to limited funding. 

Running the department costs about $50,000 a year, but it lost nearly $10,000 due to repair costs. 

“Things are starting to get tough..we need to take proactive action before we get into trouble,” fire chief Matt Gilliland said. 

Funding comes from five municipalities the department serves, as well as donations from the community and monthly dinner fundraisers. 

But a cut in funding from Shirley Township raised eyebrows, going from $2500 in year’s past to $1200 so far this year. 

“If we don’t keep going in the red, we’re not able to serve,” Carla Panosetti, president of the fire department. 

A Shirley Township supervisor said fire department officials approached the township after the yearly budget was completed. 

Supervisors want to be mindful on how taxpayer money is spent for future projects, such as roadways. 

Dan McKeehan, one of the supervisors said the township is happy to give more money as the year progresses. 

“We need [the community] to approach their Shirley Township officials,” Gilliland said. “We need them to go on behalf of the Orbisonia Fire Department and let them know that the fire protection and life safety we provide is important to them.”