Two districts propose an increase in spending budget and the third remains the same.
By: Rebecca Tokarz
Township residents will have the opportunity to vote on fire district budgets and several open fire commissioners positions when fire district elections are held Feb. 21.
Two fire districts are proposing an increase in spending. One district’s proposed spending plan increases, but the tax impact will remain the same.
Polls will be open from 2 to 9 p.m.
Fire District 1
Covers: Kendall Park
Total budget: $641,105, down from 2003 total of $669,390
Amount on ballot: $599,100 down from 2003 total of $550,190
Tax rate: 6.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, an increase over last year’s 5.8-cent tax rate. If approved, the owner of a home assessed at the township average of $188,600 would pay $118.
Budget includes: Purchase of new equipment that will be provided for in the capital outlay and an overhead apparatus for one of the trucks.
Commissioner candidates: Incumbents Jim Dwyer and James Paulus. Both seats are three-year terms.
Location: Kendall Park Volunteer Fire Company on on New Road.
Fire District 2
Covers: Monmouth Junction
Total budget: $755,206, up from 2003 total of $733,344
Amount on ballot: $660,000, up from 2003 total of $645,000
Tax rate: 3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, the same as last year. If approved, the owner of a home assessed at the township average would pay $56.
Budget includes: More than $16,000 for computer upgrades and gear.
Commissioner candidates: Incumbents Tom Young Jr. and Roger Potts. Both seats are three-year terms.
Location: Monmouth Junction Fire Station on Ridge Road.
District 3
Covers: Kingston
Total budget: $462,443, up from 2003 total of $453,343
Amount on ballot: $345,351, up from 2003 total of $330,000
Tax rate: 4.8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. If approved, the owner of a home assessed at the township average would pay $90, a $4 increase.
Commissioner candidates: Incumbent Bradford Radimer. One three-year term is available.
Location: Kingston Firehouse on Heathcote Road.