Fire District 2 Election Saturday In South Brunswick. Here’s What To Know

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — The annual fire district election will take place across New Jersey on Saturday, including South Brunswick’s Fire District No. 2.

The district covers Monmouth Junction, Dayton and Deans Section of the township. Election will be held from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Monmouth Junction Fire Station located at 573 Ridge Road. During the election, residents will also vote on the annual budget.

The 2023 budget for Fire District No. 2 calls for total appropriations of $2,396,243, which is an increase of $1,163,370 (+94.4 percent) compared to the 2022 adopted budget.

The primary cause of the proposed increase is the inclusion of $1,100,000 to support the lease and purchase of a new tower ladder that received voter approval in December 2021.

Despite the increase of $1,163,370, the sum to be raised by taxation will amount to an increase of only $25,430 (2.4 percent) due to the planned utilization of $1,100,000 of capital reserve monies. The proposed tax rate of $.043 per hundred of assessed value is the same as budgeted in 2022 and only .001 per hundred higher than realized in 2022.

For a single-family residence in South Brunswick, assessed at the average value of $195,190, a taxpayer in Fire District 2 would pay $83.93 a year for fire protection. Residents can check their property tax bill from the Township to see exactly how much they pay for fire protection.

Also included in this year’s budget is $27,000 in grant funds received from the State of New Jersey as part of their American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant that was awarded in 2022. The fire district will utilize the funds to purchase firefighter protective clothing including turnout gear, helmets, and Nomex hoods.

Since the creation of the fire districts in 1978, fire protection is funded through the levy of a fire tax on all property owners within the respective fire districts. This is paid as part of the township property tax and residents do not receive a separate bill. Prior to the creation of the fire districts, funding came from fund raisers and stipends provided by town council.

The annual budget for the fire district is drafted by the members of the Board of Fire Commissioners and must be presented at a fire district meeting at least 60 days before the date of the election.

Once adopted, the budget is then submitted to the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs - Division of Local Government Services (DCA DLGS) for review. On approval, the budget is then presented at a public hearing during a fire district meeting.

Following the public hearing, the budget must be formally adopted by the majority of the 5-member Board of Fire Commissioners. Once adopted, the budget is sent back to the DCA DLGS for final review and comment and after approval, the budget can then be placed on the ballot for registered voters of the district to approve or disapprove.

Residents will also find a question on the ballot this year, asking for authorization to expend up to $80,000 for the purchase of a new Command Vehicle. If approved, the Board of Fire Commissioners would be able to place the expenditure in the 2024 budget. The Commissioners hope to replace a 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe Command Vehicle next year.

Since 1924, fire protection has been provided by the Monmouth Junction Volunteer Fire Department. The use of an all-volunteer firefighting force results in a significant savings for taxpayers every year, fire chief Scott Smith said.

He noted that the fire tax in Fire District 2 is among the lowest in not just Middlesex County, but also the entire state.

For the 2023 election, there is one Commissioner’s position that is up for grabs for a three- year term. Incumbent Charles M. Smith is running unopposed.

Residents with questions regarding the fire district election or the proposed budget can visit the fire district’s website at www.sbfd2.com or call 732-329-0250.

Have a correction or news tip? Email sarah.salvadore@patch.com