By: Rebecca Weltmann
Voters will go to the polls in fire district elections on Saturday in many local communities, including Millstone and New Egypt where the proposed budgets contain spending increases that would result in higher taxes for property owners.
Millstone Township Fire District No. 1 is proposing a 2007 budget that relies on a $1.3 million tax levy, which breaks down into approximately 9 cents per $100 of assessed value. If passed, the amount to be raised by taxation would increase $230,146 compared to last year’s budget.
Under the proposed budget, salaries and wages for the elected officials would increase by approximately 2 percent. Other expenses would increase a total of $49,285, and other administration costs would increase by $12,500 to $95,500.
For the owner of a $395,400 property, the township’s average assessment, this would spell a fire tax bill of $356 $51 more than last year, according to George Gilbert, chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners.
He added that although the budget calls for increased taxes, the district came up with an appropriate budget. "I think we have tried most diligently to make it the least expensive we can," he said. "Everything has gone up, though. Fuel has gone up, not only for trucks, but also for heating of building. Insurance on vehicles has gone up, workmen’s compensation has gone up."
Voters will also elect two people to the five-member Board of Fire Commissioners. Both David Markunas and Michael Yock are running unopposed for reelection to three-year terms each on the board. Alex Credidio and Paul Boegemann are vying to fill an unexpired term for the remainder of the year. Voting will take place at the fire station at 470 StageCoach Road in Millstone.
The New Egypt Fire District is proposing a budget of $742,704, which breaks down into approximately 17 cents per $100 of assessed value. If passed, the amount raised by taxation would increase by $30,354 from last year’s budget of $712,350. The average assessed home in Plumsted is $150,000. The fire tax rate would be 17 cents per $100 in assessed value, and each homeowner would be required to pay approximately $255 in fire taxes in 2007. That is almost $100 more than in 2006. These figures are subject to change and increase, as new assessment value numbers become available this July.
In addition to raising fire taxes because of the rise in costs for things like fuel and utilities at the fire station, the district is also seeking more money to help cover costs for new equipment. On Oct. 7, the district gained approval to spend up to $625,000 on a Class A pumper and in December, gained approval to use up to $80,000 from unreserved capital for the purchase of a chief/command vehicle with all the necessary equipment.
The fire district plans to use a revenue and fund balance of $179,300 to defray taxes. According to Mr. Gilbert, debt service appropriations represent approximately 10 percent of the total budgeted appropriations.
Voters will also fill one seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners. William Rasmussen will be running unopposed for reelection to a three-year term on the board. Residents can vote at the fire station on 59 Main St.
There is no fire budget election in Washington Township this year because the township now runs the Fire Department. According to Business Administrator Mary Caffrey, the Township Council must show, according to law, what it did with the former fire district’s surplus funds and how the change saved money for the taxpayers.
All local fire elections will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m.
