Commissioners, Budgets Up for Vote in Saturday Fire District Election

Toms River's two fire districts will ask residents for their votes on commissioners, budgets and equipment replacement when polls open this weekend.

In contrast to a heated election season last year, all incumbents in both districts are unchallenged in the 2013 vote, which happens from 2 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 16, according to the Office of the Ocean County Clerk.

In District 1, which is comprised of the East Dover, Ocean Beach and two Toms River fire companies, two commissioner seats are available and incumbents Craig Ambrosio and George Convery are running unopposed for the three year terms. 

Just one commissioner seat is open in District 2, serving residents of Pleasant Plans and Silverton, and incumbent Kevin W. Britton is seeking reelection. 

District 1 residents will have the opportunity to vote on a $7.2 million 2013 budget, with $4.7 of that to be raised by taxation. In District 2, residents will vote on a $4.3 million 2013 budget, with $2.9 million to be raised by taxation. 

District 1 residents also will be asked to vote on the following questions:

• Shall the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District No. 1 in Toms River Township be authorized to appropriate $450,000 for the purchase of replacement fire apparatus? 
• Shall the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District No. 1 in Toms River Township be authorized to appropriate $150,000.00 for the costs of capital equipment damaged by Super Storm Sandy which is not covered by the district’sinsurance or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)?
• Shall the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District No. 1 in Toms River Township be authorized to appropriate $29,250 representing Fire District No. 1 share of the total cost of $45,000.00 for the purchase of (2) Fire Prevention vehicles?
• Shall the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District No. 1, Toms River Township be authorized to appropriate $55,250 representing Fire District No. 1 share of the total cost of $85,000 for the roof replacement and repairs, window replacement, electrical enhancements and upgrades at the Toms River Township Fire Academy?

The following questions will be voted on by District 2 residents:

• Shall the Commissioners be authorized to purchase an utility body vehicle in 2014 not to exceed $55,000?
• Shall the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District No. 2 in Toms River Township be authorized to appropriate $15,750 representing Fire District No. 2 share of the total cost of $45,000 for the purchase of two (2) Fire Prevention Bureau vehicles? 
• Shall the Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District No. 2, Toms River Township be authorized to appropriate $29,750 representing Fire District No. 2 share of the total cost of $85,000 for the roof replacement and repairs, window replacement, electrical enhancements and upgrades at the Toms River Township Fire Academy?

Sample ballots containing the interpretive statements for each question are available in this article's media box (to make the ballots larger, click "Fullscreen" above the document, then right click and select "Zoom In").