Does the township oversee the fire district? No. The Fire District was established as a separate entity in 1990 (which is permitted by state law), and is overseen by an independent Board of Fire Commissioners elected by the residents, not the township. They have their own taxing authority, which is completely separate from the township. The township has no authority over the establishment, amendment or approval of their budget.
Why is the township concerned about and opposed to this referendum? The Fire District recently approved their 2024 budget. The approved 2024 budget reflects a 58% increase in spending over the 2023 budget. The Township Committee and staff representatives attended the Fire District meeting on January 22nd and unanimously opposed the budget on behalf of the taxpayers, citing concerns about the large increase that will impact taxpayers in not only 2024, but beyond. The elected officials found that the budget, which had been shared with them only ten days prior to the meeting, was vague and left many questions unanswered. The Fire Commissioners, regardless of the Township Committee’s opposition, approved their budget as presented.
Does the township support our firefighters? Absolutely, without question. This has nothing to do with the support of the firefighters as it relates to their role as first responders within the township. We applaud all of our first responders; fire, police and rescue squad. This is a matter of leadership, management, transparency, and lack of communication by the Fire District Commissioners to the public, the township and to the taxpayers regarding public funds
Why is there a need for the Fire District to have a Referendum election? New Jersey state law sets a 2% tax “cap”, a limit on budget increases, and if a budget requires a tax increase greater than 2%, the Fire District must ask permission of the taxpayers to exceed the tax “cap”. In this case the amount to exceed the 2% cap is $1,500,000 in 2024 alone. The referendum consists of one ballot question, which is…
"Shall the Board of Commissioners of Fire District Number 1 in Plainsboro Township be authorized to increase the 2024 amount to be raised by taxation in the Fire District annual budget, by $1,500,000 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.”
___ Yes X No
What happens if the Referendum is defeated? If the referendum is not approved, the budget will increase by $47,000 or 2%. A vote of ‘no’ will allow the township and the Board of Fire Commissioners to meet to discuss how to minimize property tax impacts, while effectively meeting the safety needs of the community.
Am I eligible to vote and where do I go? The special referendum vote is open to all registered voters. The Plainsboro Fire District Board of Commissioners is holding an in-person referendum election on Saturday, February 17th between 2pm and 9pm at the Plainsboro Fire Company located at 407 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro for all registered voters. Voters who have requested a mail-in ballot from the county should be receiving the ballot very soon. Mail-in ballots may be dropped off at the secured Drop Box located at the Plainsboro Municipal Building (near the flag poles), 641 Plainsboro Road, Plainsboro Township or any regular US postal mailbox or USPS branch. Please note that the ballots must be postmarked by February 17, 2024 to be considered. General questions regarding election information can be directed to the Plainsboro Municipal Clerk’s office at 609-799-0909 ext. 2547 or you may visit the Township website at Plainsboro Election Information
Information Bulletin #4