Town opposes governor’s diversion of EMT funds

PLUMSTED — The Township Committee is opposing Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposed diversion of $4 million from the state’s dedicated Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training fund to the general treasury to balance the state budget, leaving a balance of $400,000 in the fund.

According to Mayor Ron Dancer, the EMT training fund is currently running at a $1 million deficit per year. The EMT training fund is not supported through the use of any tax money, but rather is funded by a 50-cent surcharge collected from moving traffic violations and dedicated exclusively to assist volunteer EMTs in funding their training costs.

The Township Committee’s resolution of opposition and letter will be sent to the governor, said Dancer, who also serves in the state Assembly.

Plumsted’s Senior Outreach Search (SOS) Committee now has 27 members serving the needs of the township’s senior citizen residents with the appointments of Diane Notarianni and Alice Anderson by the Township Committee.

Plumsted’s SOS is now offering transportation to senior citizen residents who need rides for medical appointments, to purchase groceries or other necessities. Call Senior Outreach Search for appointments and more information on the new senior citizen meeting and activity room in the municipal building. The new phone number for the SOS office is 609-758-2241, ext. 111, and office hours are now three days a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The Township Committee has appointed two local residents to the Plumsted Environmental Commission. Joining the commission is Mark Reme, who is a New Jersey licensed professional engineer and planner with more than 10 years of experience in testifying before numerous planning and zoning boards throughout the state. The commission will also

welcome Ed Weirsky, who has extensive managerial experience in environmental affairs and permitting issues acquired during his employment with Colonial Pipeline.

Friends of the Plumsted Library are accepting donated books, CDs, DVDs and jigsaw puzzles on June 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the trailer directly behind the library, 119 Evergreen Road.

The book drop-off will be held in the morning of the first Saturday of each month in preparation for the annual fundraiser book sale held in November.