A decision from a referendum question on today's ballot might affect the way volunteer fire and ambulance companies across the state are funded.

Today, voters decide whether or not the state will pursue the establishment of a fund to give money to these organizations.

Under the proposed plan, the state would sell up to $100 million in bonds to fund programs to help volunteer companies. However, further action must be taken by the state legislature before any funds would be allocated.

The referendum is part of Act 89, the budget bill for Pennsylvania. Tom Savage, executive director of the Pennsylvania Fire and Emergency Services Institute, said this part of the bill came about because the state legislature could not decide how to best fund these organizations.

Savage also said these funds are greatly needed.

"The volunteer fire company system in Pennsylvania is suffering greatly from the loss of volunteers," he said.

Volunteers, Savage said, are in many cases spending more time on fund raising than on providing services. Also, required training has increased, taking up additional time.

"All these folks are willing to do this, and the least we can do is give these people the equipment they need to help us," he said.

However, state Fire Commissioner Edward Mann said the plan is not a perfect solution for the problem.

"It would not help us to cross the broad spectrum of the entire system," said Mann, who said the bond money is limited by federal restrictions to capital investments. These investments include new buildings and equipment, but the funds cannot be used for recruitment efforts and fire-prevention programs.

Mann supports the referendum.

"It is a good way to gauge public opinion to see if the public supports government giving money to volunteer fire and emergency medical services companies," he said.

The referendum could directly affect local fire companies if passed. Walter Wise, fire administrator for Alpha Fire Co., said, if this plan runs its course, it would mean money for a new training center in Centre County.

Wise said he hopes this is just the first of many steps taken by the state to help volunteer fire and emergency medical services companies.

"Something has to be done to keep the service going," he said.