The electors of each township at the annual township meeting may authorize and empower the board of township supervisors to fund from revenues derived from the general fund levy authority of the township and provide by contract or otherwise for the prevention of, protection from, and extinguishment of fires within the township.

When so authorized, the supervisors may enter into a five-year contract and levy for the payment of the services obtained under the contract. The contract may be renewed or renegotiated for another five-year period upon authorization by the electors of the township at the annual meeting.

A voter-approved levy under this section authorized by electors of a township before January 1, 2015, remains in effect under the provisions of this section at the time the levy was authorized but not exceeding ten taxable years. Upon expiration of any mill levy under this section authorized by electors of a township before January 1, 2015, the governing body of the township or county may, by resolution, transfer any unobligated balance in the fund in which the levy proceeds were deposited to the general fund of the township.