Don’t miss the fire election in Cherry Hill
On Feb. 18, from 2 to 9 p.m., residents will have the opportunity to vote on the Cherry Hill Fire Department’s $25 million budget and to elect a member to a fire commissioner’s seat.
The 2012 budget increase is under the 2 percent state-mandated cap.
In Cherry Hill, less than 8 percent of property taxes go to the fire department, with about 54 percent going to the school district, 23 percent to the county, 16 percent to the township and less than 1 percent toward open space.
The budget, Assistant Fire Chief Tom Kolbe said, has increased .7 percent over the 2011 budget.
He said the budget increase could be attributed to the loss of revenue all departments in the township have faced in recent years, as well as a reduction in residential and commercial ratables.
For the average homeowner in Cherry Hill with an assessed home of $140,000, residents can expect a $3.11 increase per month, Kolbe said. The average homeowner will pay approximately $695.83 per year for fire and EMS services.
Since last year, the fire department has reduced its staff by three firefighters due to attrition. The challenge, fire officials say, is to continue to maintain the level of safety to residents, despite the continued loss of revenue.
Last year, officials said, 13,207 total calls were made, with 8,314 placed to EMS and 4,893 to fire.
Residents will also vote to fill one vacant seat on the board of fire commissioners. Joseph Gilson and William Kelly are vying for the 3-year seat.
New this year, the commissioners reduced the number of polling locations in the township from seven to two, in an effort to keep costs down, Kolbe said.
Residents will vote either at the Community Center, 820 Mercer St., or the department’s central command building at 1100 Marlkress Road.
Residents who previously voted at the Woodcrest, Marlkress or Springdale Road stations will now vote at central command.
Residents who previously voted at the Church Road Fire Company/Civic Association, Erlton Fire Company, Cherry Hill Community Center, or the North Kings Highway Fire Station will now vote at the community center.
Residents may also vote by mail by contacting the Camden County Clerk’s Office at 225–7220 or online at www.camdencounty.com/government/voter-information/vote-mail-law.
For further information on where to vote, contact the Cherry Hill Fire Department at 795–9805 or visit www.cherryhillfire.org.
