Firefighting to cost over $1.7M in ’10

For the average Millstone homeowner, taxes would increase less than 5 cents per day this year if voters approve the proposed fire budget.

The public is invited to participate in the budget vote and fire commissioner election from 2-9 p.m. Feb. 20 at the firehouse at 461 Stagecoach Road. All residents are encouraged to attend the Feb. 17 Township Committee meeting, during which the Board of Fire Commissioners will give a budget presentation and answer budget questions.

The proposed 2010 fire budget totals $1,759,285, which is $82,155 less than the 2009 budget presented by the board. The proposed budget relies on a total tax levy of $1,425,685, which is $79,196 more than 2009.

“The 2010 budget proposes a modest 4/10th of a penny increase,” said Board of Fire Commissioner Chairman Dave Markunas.

According to Markunas, the commissioners had a number of challenges to contend with in putting together this year’s budget.

“The budget surplus utilized in the 2010 budget is half of what was utilized in 2009,” Markunas said. “Interest income is also nearly half of what is was in the 2009 budget.”

Operating expenses also went up in several different areas, including wages, health insurance, pension obligations, insurance, physicals and protective equipment, according to Markunas.

The board did make substantial cuts in other areas, including maintenance and repairs, firefighting equipment, fuel and radios, he said.

“We also paid off one of the two trucks that we have financed,” Markunas said. “We have appropriated $200,000 from the board’s capital reserve fund to pay for the replacement of the septic system and well.”

The Board of Fire Commissioners also anticipates hiring a consultant to assist the fire department in planning for the future, as well as identifying grant opportunities to fund improvements, according to Markunas.

“This money comes from existing funds in the board’s capital reserve account and does not result in any tax increase to the residents,” Markunas said.

Since the volunteer fire company has a limited number of firefighters qualified to drive and operate a tanker, the proposed budget also includes additional funding for a paid nighttime tanker driver.

“Since Millstone does not have a hydrant system, we need to bring water to the scene of any fire,” Markunas said. “Hiring a nighttime driver is the only way we can ensure this.”

Two seats on the Board of Fire Commissioners are up for election this year. Markunas is seeking re-election for another three-year term. Jeff VanArsdale is running to complete the final year of an unexpired three-year term previously held by Robert Broder. Broder resigned in early 2009 when he moved out of town. Janet Newton, who the board appointed in July 2009 to fill the vacancy, is not seeking election to the board.

Mail-in ballots can be requested at http://oprs.co.monmouth.nj.us/oprs/clerk/el ectionframe.htm. Budget information is available at the firehouse and at www.mtbfc.com.