There will not be a 1-mill fire tax referendum on the November ballot concerning the Carnegie Volunteer Fire Department.

According to Solicitor Joseph Lucas, borough officials were notified recently by the County Board of Elections that there is no authority for the referendum because it is less than 3 mills.

The Pennsylvania Referendum Handbook states that boroughs "may levy a special real estate tax for fire protection purposes of up to 3 mills by its own action.

If the municipality wishes to levy a tax higher than 3 mills, a question on levying the additional amount must be submitted to the voters in a referendum."

Though he went on to say that council had interpreted the referendum statute differently than the county did, Mr. Lucas added, "We figured the more constructive way was to continue to hold meetings and hopefully ascertain what the people of Carnegie want to be done with the fire department."

That means the borough plans to go forward with town hall meetings to determine how residents feel about spending additional tax dollars for the volunteers or whether they would be comfortable with contracting with a neighboring fire department.

"This has to be done right. This is probably one of the most important issues that has come before this council," continued Mr. Lucas, adding officials have a heavy burden of decision either way.

The town hall meetings will be:

• 7 p.m. Wednesday at Carnegie Elementary School.

• 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library.

• 7 p.m. Oct. 28 at All Saints Polish National Church Rectory.

Finances at the volunteer fire department have been tight for several years, and a bank foreclosure action was filed this summer concerning past due mortgage payments. Though the fire department was able to resolve the issue, it has sought a dedicated millage from the borough for more than three years.

Council president Mike Sarsfield and vice president Pat Catena urged residents to attend the town hall meetings, or write or call them with their thoughts on this issue.

"We want to have a dialogue with all of you and present all of the facts. I've struggled with this decision. I want to keep our fire department, but raising taxes kills a community," Mr. Catena said.

Mayor Emmett Freshwater told residents, "You're going to pay one way or another" and that homeowners' insurance rates may rise if the fire department is closed."

Several officials rebutted his statement. They said rates are based on criteria such as water supply, fire alarm/dispatching system and fire department staffing and training.

Councilman Fred Carini, who did not attend the meeting because he was ill, said council should have addressed the issue of funding the fire department two years ago.

Mr. Sarsfield stressed there would be no tax increase if Carnegie contracted for fire service. The borough expects to sign a contract for at least five years, he added.

Mr. Sarsfield can be reached by phone at 412-853-1868 or by e-mail at mikesarsfield@yahoo.com. Mr. Catena can be contacted by phone at 412-279-8498 or by e-mail at patrickcatena@verizon.net.