Understanding Ballot Questions for Hanover Twp Fire District 3

Two crucial questions will be on the ballot regarding Hanover Township Fire District 3 on Election Day, February 15.

The questions are for the proposed budget and referendum for 2025. If both are approved, the tax impact will cost the average assessed household no more than $12.85 per month. Voters can view their exact amount using the tax calculator on the Fire District’s website.

Voters have until February 8 to request a mail-in ballot. An application can be found on the Fire District’s website. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by February 15 to count. Voters can also vote in person on February 15, from 2 to 9 p.m., at Hanover Township Fire District 3, 82 Ridgedale Ave., Cedar Knolls.

How will the questions appear on the ballot, and what do they mean?

The first question on the ballot is about the proposed $2.2 million to be raised by taxation. This includes the $348,200 that is being requested in the referendum in question two. Question two asks for the approval to keep the $348,200 in the budget, exceeding the 2% cap, which is vital for operational and staffing needs.

“It’s important for voters to understand that question two does not ask for any additional funding beyond what is already included in question one,” said Michael Dugan, Sr., District Treasurer. “This is why it’s essential to have voter approval for the budget – question one – and the referendum – question two.”

Question one states, “Resolved, That the Assessors of the Township of Hanover shall be authorized to raise $2,242,485.00 to be expended within said district for the ensuing year for the uses and purposes of Fire District No. 3 and the carrying out of the powers by the statues made and provided.”

The second question states, “Shall the Board of Commissioners of Fire District Number No.3 in the Township of Hanover be authorized to increase the 2025 amount to be raised by taxation in the Fire District annual budget, by 15.8% or $348,200 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 will “yes” votes support?

The proposed budget and referendum will support the following activities:

• Make critical repairs to its 2013 fire engine.
• Work to replace firefighter gear, which currently contains PFAS (harmful forever chemicals).
• Prepare firefighters and EMTs to answer advanced calls unique to Hanover Township, such as EV accidents and rail incidents.
• Ensure adequate EMS staffing.
• Update the ambulances’ equipment to equip all three ambulances equally. One of these needs is for an additional LUCAS device, which provides automatic chest compressions to patients in cardiac arrest, increasing survivability rates.
• Replace expiring self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) components to protect firefighters in hazardous environments.
• Improve existing quarters to support 24/7 staffing by firefighters and EMTs, and answer calls faster.

Hanover Township Fire District 3 is the fire, EMS, and rescue provider for the Cedar Knolls section of the township and the EMS provider for all of the township, supporting 14,000 residents.

“After our budget and referendum failed to pass in 2024, we also hit a milestone of responding to over 3,000 calls for emergency services,” said Steven Cornine, Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. “We encourage the community to vote, and allow our firefighters and EMTs to continue to provide exceptional care to our communities.”