Pa. Fire Dept. Sues Social Club Over Money Dispute
Source The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.)
Feb. 26--The Macungie Volunteer Fire Department has sued Macungie Fire Co. No. 1, claiming it is owed nearly $17,000 for various bills it paid and repairs it made at the fire hall where the two organizations are based.
The fire department says in court papers filed in Lehigh County Court that it has tried unsuccessfully for months to collect on the debt from the Macungie Fire Co., which operates the social club and bar at the fire hall. It is now accusing the social organization of breach of contract.
Attorney Blake Marles, who represents the fire department wrote a January letter to the fire company insisting that a payment schedule be established.
"I know that there have been attempts to resolve this matter of the last few months which have been rebuffed, and I truly regret that you have left Volunteer Fire Department with no additional options beyond the threat of suit," Marles wrote in the letter, which was included in the court filing.
Macungie Fire Chief Michael Natysyn wrote in a January letter that the fire company was reminded "numerous times" about its overdue payments.
Scott Gordon, the president of the Macungie Fire Co. said the couldn' comment. He said the organization hasn't been served with the lawsuit.
The fire company's website says that the organization supports the fire department. The website advertises its dining hall for rent and commercial kitchen for lease.
The two nonprofits are separate entities based at 31 S. Walnut St.
In 2008, the Macungie Fire Co. because of concerns about liability and loss of its non-profit status because of its liquor license, encouraged members to form the Volunteer Fire Department, the suit says.
That same year, the fire company stopped providing fire-fighting services and gave its equipment to the Macungie Volunteer Fire Department, which registered as a nonprofit in 2010, according to the lawsuit.
The Macungie Fire Co. continues to operate a social club at the fire hall and its mission is to support the Fire Department and maintain the building, court records say.
Between 2008 and 2012, the fire department agreed to pay various bills and cover the cost of a number of building repairs. The fire company agreed to pay it back, the lawsuit says.
Among the expenses were $6,000 for an insurance policy relative to the fire company's liquor license, $4,320 for Internet service, $2,500 for liability insurance and $2,000 for gas and electric bills.
The balance of the near $17,000 covered repairs to the bathroom, electrical wiring, a hot water heater, and various other work.
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