Millstone fire dept. proposes tax hike

Millstone residents will be able to go to the polls on Feb. 21 and decide on the township's fire budget.

There will be two questions on the ballot. The first will ask for $1,346,489 to be raised by taxes. That question can pass with a simple majority. Since there is a 4 percent state property tax levy cap, the second question will ask for $58,951 over the cap, which must pass with a 60 percent majority. According to David Markunas, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners, the proposed local fire tax rate is 9.94 cents for each $100 of assessed value, an increase of 1.34 cents. This would mean a total annual increase of $53.58 for the average home assessed at about $400,000.

Markunas gave a presentation about the Millstone Township Fire Company (MTFC) and the budget at the Feb. 4 Township Committee meeting. The MTFC was founded in 1938, and the firehouse, now used as the Community Center, was built in 1941. The current firehouse, next door, was constructed in 1977, and the fire district was established in 1979. In 1999 the first career firefighters were hired. There are now 10 full-time career firefighters and officers, 23 active volunteer firefighters and officers, seven probationary firefighters, one fire police, 32 members of the ladies auxiliary, and eight young explorers.

The station's vehicles presently consist of a 1997 International engine, a 2008 Pierce engine, a 1993 International rescue truck, a 2000 American LaFrance Tele- Squirt, a 1991 Dodge Ram 3500 brush truck, a 2001 International tanker with a 2,000-gallon capacity, a 1990 Mack engine and tank trailer with a 6,000-gallon capacity, four command/utility vehicles, and a decontamination trailer.

Last year there were 446 incidents reported, including nine structural fires and 45 mutual aid responses for neighboring communities. There were 80 motor vehicle accident calls, 13 of which required extraction, and eight vehicle fires. Under the first responder program, there were 93 emergency medical services assists and six instances of medevac helicopter landing assistance. Other incidents that were responded to include 38 downed power lines, 13 brush fires, and nine hazardous or flammable materials spills. Markunas said the number of incidents has increased each year as the township grows. In 2000 there were only about 225 incidents, according to the presentation.

Also in 2008, the MTFC conducted 378 fire inspections, 85 smoke detector compliance inspections, 13 fire investigations, 21 station tours or education programs, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training for township employees and the recreation department.

The $625,000 Pierce engine was placed into service, replacing a 1986 Mack engine. Markunas said the department had extensive readiness training conducted during the year, and new PASS (personal alert safety system) alarms were put into use.

Another major accomplishment for 2008 was having the fire budget passed by the voters after three consecutive defeats. However, the second question on the ballot, dealing with salaries/benefits and maintenance and repair costs, was defeated, forcing a $92,000 reduction. Markunas said the cumulative effect means that for 2009, the surplus is almost exhausted, and that many line items have been repeatedly underfunded.

In addition to increased salaries and benefits costs, there are additional state pension fund obligations, as well as debt service for the new engine. Markunas said it costs over $10,000 just to equip each firefighter in their first year.

Passing the two questions will mean continued fire protection and public safety services at the current level, improvements in protective equipment and training, and catch-up on deferred maintenance, he said. Should the budget fail, it will have to go before the governing body, and potential budget cuts may be made. Those cuts could mean lack of necessary equipment and supplies, service reductions, reduced training and preparedness, and longer response times, he said.

"We've done a lot with a little for a long time," said Markunas. "With all candor, we can't avoid having to bring a tax increase. There is nothing in the budget we can live without. Some things we have tried to live without for two or three years — we can't live without them anymore."

The polls will be open on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the firehouse, 461 Stagecoach Road.

Absentee ballots are available at the Monmouth County Clerk's Office, and absentee ballot applications are available at the firehouse or the municipal clerk's office.

For more information, visit www.mtbfc.com.

The township's Web site at www.millstone. nj.us also provides information regarding the proposed fire budget.