FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – On Feb. 16, officials in Freehold Township Fire District No. 1 will seek voter approval for two items: a $1.7 million budget for 2019 and the purchase of a new fire vehicle.
There are two fire districts in Freehold Township. Fire District No. 1 is west of Route 9. Firefighting services are provided by the Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1.
Registered votes who reside in Fire District No. 1 are eligible to vote in the election, which will be held from 2-9 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Freehold Township Independent Fire Company No. 1, Stillwells Corner Road, next to the municipal building.
Voters will be asked to approve a $1.7 million budget to support the operation of the fire district and to fund its 2019 operating expenses. The budget, if approved, will be supported by the collection of $1.6 million in taxes to be paid by the fire district’s property owners.
The fire district’s 2018 budget was put in place by the Township Committee after voters rejected a $1.3 million budget that had been proposed by the fire commissioners.
Following a review of the budget, committee members determined Fire District No. 1 would be authorized to collect $774,200 in taxes to support a budget that had been reduced to $844,000.
Under the revised budget, the fire district’s tax rate for 2018 was 2.3 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home assessed at the township average of $388,000 paid $89 in fire district taxes.
The tax rate in the proposed 2019 budget would increase to 4.69 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. If the budget is approved as proposed, the owner of a home that is still assessed at $388,000 will pay $182 in fire district taxes – an increase of $93.
A fire district tax is one component of a property owner’s tax bill, which also includes Monmouth County taxes, municipal taxes, school taxes and other assessments. Individuals pay more or less in taxes depending on the assessed value of their home and/or property.
The second question on the Feb. 16 ballot will seek approval for the purchase of a new combination ladder and pumper fire engine at a cost not to exceed $1.6 million. Under state law, voter approval is required for the purchase.
If the purchase is approved, the $1.6 million will be paid by bonds or notes or the issuance of a lease/purchase agreement to be determined by the Board of Fire Commissioners, according to a notice from the fire district.