MILLSTONE – Voters in Millstone Township have approved a $2.24 million budget to support the operation of the Millstone Township Fire District in 2019.
On Feb. 16, voters approved the budget proposed by the Board of Fire Commissioners. The $2.24 million operating budget will be supported by the collection of $1.84 million in fire district taxes to be paid by property owners in the municipality.
According to election results provided by the fire district, the 2019 budget was approved in a vote of 122 “yes” to 49 “no.”
In 2018, voters approved the collection of $1.839 million in local taxes to support a $2.21 million budget. The fire district’s tax rate was 9.86 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home assessed at the township average of $525,300 paid $518 in fire district taxes.
The fire district’s tax rate in the 2019 budget will remain at 9.86 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a home that is still assessed at $525,300 will continue to pay $518 in fire district taxes.
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.
According to the fire commissioners, increased operational costs include $76,000 to replace a command vehicle the commissioners said is aging; $60,000 for additional firefighting equipment; $30,000 for an additional driver; and $20,000 for miscellaneous operating expenses.
The tax rate has remained stable due to the management of district funds and expenses, the use of $157,000 from surplus funds (savings) and an additional $30,000 in revenue from a shared services agreement with neighboring Roosevelt, according to the fire commissioners.
The Millstone Township Fire District, which is served by the Millstone Township Fire Company, has 10 full-time career (paid) firefighters and officers, and 23 active volunteer firefighters and officers.
The career and volunteer personnel are supported by three probationary firefighters, two support members and 22 members of the Ladies Auxiliary.
In the election for fire commissioner, newcomer James Carbin won a three-year term in an uncontested race. Carbin received 143 votes, according to the fire district.
