Fire Budget Has No Tax Increase for Average East Freehold Homeowner

FREEHOLD, NJ– Even the most skilled fire company cannot perform 100% with delayed fire truck repairs, aging ladders, and rescue and breathing apparatus in need of replacement. That’s why East Freehold Fire Company has launched an awareness campaign to ensure citizens understand its budgetary needs and cast an informed vote at the fire company on February 17.

The inability to get voter approval for the Freehold Fire District #2 budget (which funds East Freehold Fire Company) last year was more of a detriment to our fire company than most citizens realized,” said East Freehold Fire Chief Mike Murray. “Because of this fact, there had actually been incidents where we needed to request mutual aid from a neighboring fire company. It is not an ideal situation for a fire company responsible for public safety,” he says.

This year, he hopes citizens will be more likely to vote for fire budget approval on February 17 since taxes will remain flat- without increase - for the average homeowner, a factor that should support voter approval.

Under the proposed budget, the 100% volunteer fire company will be able to fund turnout gear and training for its firefighters and finally fund maintenance and repairs on its vehicles and rescue equipment. Most critically, the budget, once approved, will allow for the purchase of Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for its firefighters.

“We basically got by postponing maintenance last year, but that situation is unsustainable,” stressed Chief Murray.”

East Freehold Fire Company at a Glance

East Freehold Fire Company is located within Freehold Township Fire District #2. The company has 36 volunteer firefighters and serves citizens 24/7. While the average career firefighter in other communities receives an annual compensation of $62,437, East Freehold firefighters save lives without financial compensation. In 2023, the fire company responded to over 435 calls, with a rise in rescue and structural related emergencies. Despite an increase in calls, only .09% of the Township budget funds the fire district.

Essential Voting Day Details

In-person voting for the Freehold Township Fire District #2 budget (which funds East Freehold Fire Company) will be held at the East Freehold Fire Company on Saturday, February 17 from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. The fire company is located at 191 Dutch Lane Rd., Freehold Township. Voters can also submit their ballot by mail, but must have it postmarked prior to Feb. 17 to be counted.

“In order to make sure every volunteer firefighter who leaves their home to go on a call comes back safely, we need a budget that enables us to keep them safe through training, gear and maintained vehicles,” said Chief Murray. “I am hoping with increased awareness efforts citizens will understand how important voting is.”

For more information, visit https://eastfreeholdfire.com/