This week we hear from the Harrison Township Fire District about their budget and plans for 2019
The Board of Fire Commissioners would like to thank Mayor Louis Manzo for allowing us to use his platform to educate our residents on the upcoming Fire District Election, scheduled for Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. The sole polling location will be at the Harrison Township Municipal Building (114 Bridgeton Pike). We encourage all Harrison Township registered voters to come out and support the Fire District, as we continue to provide the best possible fire protection to our residents, while remaining fiscally responsible for their tax dollars.
As a district, we are pleased to announce that our 2019 budget calls for no increase in the fire district tax rate this year. The rate will remain at 7.7 cents per $100 of assessed value (the same as 2018), and is still the lowest fire tax rate in Gloucester County. With the average residential assessment for Harrison Township at $341,695, the average cost of annual fire protection is $263 per household, or less than $22 a month. For that, the residents of Harrison Township get 24/7 fire coverage, a part-time paid firefighter program for coverage during the day time hours, fire prevention programs and public relations/outreach programs.
A “yes” vote on the fire district budget on the ballot authorizes the basic operating budget for the district. Specifically, this includes the average cost to outfit a firefighter with the proper equipment, which is $10,000. The fire district maintains 15 part-time staff members and 30 active volunteers, so that annual cost is substantial. Beyond proper outfitting, the district maintains two fire stations and a fleet of apparatus, as well as covering insurance costs and hydrant rental payments. Yes, there is an annual payment to N.J. American Water, the owner of all the fire hydrants. Again, everything mentioned here is included for an average payment of about $22 a month from each household. For more detailed information on the 2019 fire budget, please visit the fire district’s website at www.HTFD23.com.
In addition to the budget, there is also a Public Question on the ballot. Always focused on providing the best fire service possible, this year the fire district is asking for voter approval to purchase a new 95-foot aerial fire truck. Your approval of this vehicle will not increase the fire district tax rate. The new ladder truck will give the fire district numerous tactical advantages, such as increased ground ladder storage, longer reach of the aerial device during rescue operations and tactical suppression options that meet the ever-changing needs of our community.
Thank you for taking the time to read this edition of the Mayor’s Message. Please come out and support the fire district by voting on Feb. 16 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Harrison Township Municipal Building (114 Bridgeton Pike).
