Higher-than-usual turnout as voters approve 44 percent hike in fire taxes.
By: Mark Moffa
WASHINGTON Voters on Saturday approved a 44-percent fire tax hike as the fire district’s budget passed by a 53-to-47 percent margin.
Turnout was high for a fire district election, with almost 700 voters heading to the polls. While that is only about 11 percent of the township’s 6,300 registered voters, it is much greater than in past. Last year, for example, approximately 400 people voted.
The budget was approved by 364 voters and rejected by 323. If it would have failed, the Township Committee would have had to review the budget to determine any cuts were warrented.
Under the spending plan, the fire tax will increase from 16 cents per $100 of assessed property value to 23 cents. The owner of a house assessed at the township average of $177,000 will pay $407.10 in fire taxes, an increase of $123.90.
"We’re very pleased that the budget passed," Commissioner Debbie Matson said. Ms. Matson was chairwoman of the district’s board of commissioners last year. The commissioners will hold their reorganization meeting March 13.
Ms. Matson was up for re-election Saturday, along with Commissioner Robin Skidmore. Voters were asked to select two commissioners for three-year terms.
Ms. Matson garnered the most votes, receiving 338 votes, or 31 percent of the commissioner vote. Ms. Skidmore, who was filling an unexpired term, was voted out of office. She got 211 votes, or 19 percent of the vote.
She will be replaced by Gregory Zalenski, who came in second with 289 votes, or 27 percent. James Merritt was third with 248 votes, or 23 percent.
"I look forward to continuing my work," Ms. Matson said.
She said she expected a large turnout due to the tax increase.
"I think people understood why we were doing it," Ms. Matson said. "There were enough people that realized we were providing them with a much-needed service."
Fire officials said almost 5 cents of the 7-cent increase was attributable to the Fire Department’s new rescue squad. The department began providing rescue service Jan. 6. Previously, the township’s rescue service was provided by the Allentown First Aid Squad, an all-volunteer squad. Washington’s department is paid, and on duty 24 hours a day at the firehouse on Route 130 North.
Ms. Matson said the other 2 cents were needed, in part, to provide equipment and training for staff. The department, she said, has new junior firefighters (16 to 18 years old) who need training.
"My goal is to continue to provide the township with the best EMS and fire protection," Ms. Matson said. "We have a good department and we want to keep moving forward."
To comment on this story send e-mail to [email protected]