Residents of Jackson Township Fire District #3 will head to the polls to vote on two budget-related referendum questions, which could directly impact Fire Station #55. Both measures seek funding necessary for the fire district’s operations and upgrades.
The Questions on the Ballot
Question No. 1:
“Shall the Board of Fire Commissioners for Fire District No. 3, Jackson Township, be authorized to expend $5,883,763.89 in Budget Year 2025 with $5,399,215.25 the amount to be raised by taxation?”
Question No. 2:
“Shall the Board of Commissioners of Fire District No. 3 in the Township of Jackson be authorized to increase the 2025 amount to be raised by taxation in the Fire District annual budget by 10.7%, or $500,000, as provided by N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.45, notwithstanding that its amount to be raised by taxation will exceed the two percent (2.0%) increase limitation?”
What These Questions Mean
- Question 1: Approves the total budget for Fire District #3, including the $500,000 increase requested in Question No. 2.
- Question 2: Authorizes a 10.7% increase in taxation to fund the fire district, which is already included in the total figure in Question No. 1. It does not ask for additional funds beyond what is accounted for in Question 1.
Potential Outcomes
If both questions are approved, the additional $500,000 will be used to:
- Maintain weekend and holiday fire suppression services provided by two career firefighters.
- Replace the township’s aging 17-year-old tower ladder truck, the only one available.
- Meet new state firefighter certification requirements.
- Update aging firefighter safety gear.
- Begin repairs on the fire station’s 54-year-old building to support a future 24/7 emergency response system.
If both questions are rejected, these critical projects and services may face significant challenges, including cuts to staffing and equipment maintenance.
The Cost for Residents
The proposed budget would amount to an estimated $8 per month for taxpayers. Voters are encouraged to learn more about the proposals and the district’s needs before heading to the polls.
For additional information, residents can reach out to Jackson Fire District #3 for further clarification.
Approval of both referendum questions will not allow for replacement of our aging Tower Ladder. Approval of both questions will allow needed repairs so we can delay replacement of our aging Tower Ladder.