Budget Referendum Vote to Fund East Freehold Fire Company held Feb. 15

Budget Referendum to Fund East Freehold Fire Company Slated for Feb. 15, Bare-Bones Budget Sustains Safety, Comes with No Tax Increase for Average Homeowner

Freehold Township, NJ…Freehold Township Fire District #2, which funds East Freehold Fire Company, wants to remind citizens of the importance of voting on the fire district budget referendum in-person on Feb. 15 or by mail (with a postmark date of Feb. 15 or earlier).

Few realize that the fire company is 100% volunteer, which creates a cost savings of $63,000 per firefighter, since firefighters save lives without pay.

The budget, if approved, represents a flat tax for the average homeowner. The initiatives it will support and sustain, however, are priceless. They include:

• 14 new volunteer firefighters to respond to the 14% increase in calls received in 2024.
• Intensive live-fire training programs, plus training to adhere to new state certification requirements.
• Preparing the community’s next generation of firefighters through a new junior.
• Community Fire prevention programs intended to educate and safeguard citizens.
• Santa runs and birthday parties for children to promote fire safety

According to the Board of Fire Commissioners and the Fire Company President, passage of the proposed Freehold Township Fire District #2 budget is a key to the success of keeping the fire company’s progress going. “People are often surprised to learn that only 1.6% of the Township budget goes to the Fire District. That is why voter support is so critical. Fortunately, for the average homeowner, there is no tax increase in this budget,” said Evan Berman, President of East Freehold Fire Company.

Ways to Vote

In-person voting for the Freehold Township Fire District #2 budget (which funds East Freehold Fire Company) will be held at the East Freehold Fire Company on Saturday, February 15 from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. The fire company is located at 191 Dutch Lane Rd., Freehold Township. Voters can also submit their ballot by mail, but must have it postmarked prior to Feb. 15 to be counted.

East Freehold Fire Company at a Glance

East Freehold Fire Company is located within Freehold Township Fire District #2. The company has 50 volunteer firefighters and serves citizens 24/7. In 2024, the fire company responded to over 500 calls, with a rise in rescue and structural related emergencies.

For more information, visit https://eastfreeholdfire.com/

-end-