| By: Mark Moffa, Staff Writer | February 07, 2002 |
Messenger Press: http://www.messengerpress.com
| Fire elections on tap Feb. 16 |
| WASHINGTON
— Voters Feb. 16 will decide whether the fire district can raise its
taxes 44 percent. The fire district tax rate, currently at 16 cents per $100 of assessed property value, will increase 7 cents if the fire budget is approved. Fire officials said almost 5 cents of the increase is attributable to the Fire Department's new rescue squad. The department began providing rescue service Jan. 6. Previously, the township's rescue service was provided by the Allentown First Aid Squad, an all-volunteer squad. Washington's department is paid, and on duty 24 hours a day at the firehouse on Route 130 North. If the budget is approved, the owner of a house assessed at the township average of $177,000 would pay $407.10 in fire taxes, an increase of $123.90. Capt. David C. Horsnall said he hopes turnout is high. "We just really want them to come out and vote," he said. Capt. Horsnall said the firefighters' union, Local 3786, will provide transportation service to and from the firehouse for those who are unable to get there. Residents in need of a ride to vote can call 839-0485 the day of the elections to arrange a time. Also on the ballot in the fire election are two fire commissioner seats. Commissioners Debbie Matson and Robin Skidmore are up for re-election. Residents James Merritt and Greg Zalenski Sr. are running against Ms. Matson and Ms. Skidmore. Mr. Merritt is a former Washington firefighter and Mr. Zalenski's son is a junior firefighter with the department. Ms. Matson is the chairwoman of the fire commission and a registered nurse at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital at Hamilton. Ms. Skidmore is completing an unexpired term. Elections are from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 16 at the firehouse, at 1149 Route 130 North in Robbinsville. |