HARRISVILLE — A quarter of the proceeds generated from local services tax money in the borough will be split evenly between the fire and police department, council decided at a meeting Monday, Jan. 22.

In November, council voted to initiate the tax for community members working in the borough who make more than $12,000 a year.

The tax went into effect on Jan. 1. About $1,500 of the proceeds will go to the two agencies.

On Thursday, Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company Chief Steve Bickel said the funds would be used for “smaller things” like gloves and hoods for the firefighters.

The department staffs 18 firefighters and goes out on about 290 fire calls a year, Bickel said. As fire departments across the state and nation struggle with recruitment and funding, Bickel said the Harrisville Volunteer Fire Company is always looking for more members.

“People are getting older,” he said. “There’s always room for younger people.”

Among the department’s biggest expenses is fuel for the trucks, he said. To fill the gaps in funding from state and federal grants, Bickel said the department often hosts events and fundraisers that see a “pretty good turnout” from the community.

When asked what he hopes for the future of the fire department, Bickel said, “Basically maintaining what we have, and hopefully trying to get better with each year.”