Hazlet Fire District #1 To Hold Special Election In August

HAZLET, NJ — Hazlet Fire District #1 will host a special election on August 1 to approve or disapprove the purchase of new fire apparatus and equipment.

According to officials, the proposed purchase will be the replacement of a 1989 Mack ‘75 tower ladder with a 100’ tower ladder with a pump for “an amount not exceeding $2,100,000” and undertaking “lease purchase financing relative to the project.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the special election:

Dates and Times
The special election will take place on August 1 and registered voters will be able to vote between the hours of 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., according to officials.

Voting will take place at the Hazlet Township Fire District Office, which is located at 812 Poole Ave., Suite A, Hazlet.

Reasons For the Purchase
According to Hazlet Fire District #1, the following reasons are why the apparatus and equipment are necessary for purchase:

• The apparatus is 35 years old and the current apparatus no longer meets safety standards
• Fire protection for the safety of Hazlet residents
• Current safety features for the protection of the dedicated volunteer firefighters
• This apparatus will have a dual purpose to better serve the community
• High cost of maintenance for upkeep—availability of parts is limited for repairs
• With the rising cost of materials, the cost of purchase is rising quickly. It’s best to sign a contract in 2024 to reduce cost, locked pricing
• New truck delivery times have increased, therefore putting the residents and firefighters at risk waiting for delivery

Funding
The Hazlet Board of Fire Commissioners will be using reserved Capital Funds and savings to fund $1,000,000 of the purchase, according to the Fire District.

In regards to financing the additional cost, the Fire District will have no additional financing obligations at the time of purchase, according to officials.

Proper budgeting plans will allow the Fire District to fund this purchase while still maintaining their Capital Fund for future necessary equipment and personal protective equipment, officials said.

The new combination ladder/pumper is part of a larger plan to reduce and replace older apparatus in the fleet, according to the Fire District, and this apparatus will replace a ladder and pumper.

For further questions or concerns, you can reach the Hazlet Fire District Office by phone at 732-264-1427 or by email at mbarney@hazletfiredistrict.org.

For more information on the special election, you can visit the Hazlet Township website.