Flat Tax for Average Homeowner w/ Freehold Twp. Fire Dist. 2 Budget

Freehold Township, NJ…What a difference a year makes. In early 2024, East Freehold Fire Company was hopeful that its budget referendum would receive voter support following four years of budgetary losses. With the help of the Township residents the budget passed enabling the fire company to turn the corner and focus its efforts on initiatives that would improve safety for both the public and its firefighters.

Fast forward to 2025, and the 100% volunteer fire company, which receives its funding from Freehold Township Fire District #2, is hoping that citizens sustain the progress it has made by voting for the proposed Fire District budget at the February 15 Referendum.

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

Most notably, the 2025 budget continues recruitment and intensive training of volunteer firefighters. Operating an all-volunteer fire company comes with a cost-saving of over $63,000 per firefighter, since East Freehold firefighters are 100% Volunteer.

Intensive live-fire training programs are also included in the budget, a critical necessity, based on the 14% uptick in calls the fire company received in 2024.

Preparing the community’s next generation of firefighters through a new junior program is also factored into the 2025 budget, as are community engagement programs which put East Freehold firefighters front and center among the citizens they protect.

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.

The fire company hopes to build awareness about its budget, and the importance of casting an educated vote, through postcard mailings, social media posts and press releases.

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.

Essential Voting Day Details

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.

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

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