The 2014 Fire Department budget was introduced with a minimal increase during last night’s Fire Commissioners meeting, Fire Commissioner Larry Loigman tells TLS.
The budget, “calls for a very minimal tax increase – less than 1 cent, which we will need to pay for the salary and benefits of 6 new full-time firefighters,” says Loigman. “We are still going to provide excellent service to Lakewood at a lower tax rate than districts in surrounding towns – most of which have only volunteers.”
Continues Loigman, “with Lakewood’s continued growth, the cost of protecting our residents has increased, but we have kept the budget in check wherever possible.”
The department is also planning to sell the un-needed firehouse on Clover Street, says Loigman, in order to devote the resources to maintaining the safety of the community.
“As always, we depend heavily on our volunteers. Anyone interested in joining the fire department can call the Board office, at 732-364-5151, for further information and an application.” [TLS]
Doesn’t more firehouse mean less property insurance? At least that’s what my insurance agent tells me
Either cheaper property insurance or higher property tax you choose
i guess the township is really getting rid of tent city!!
Much more costwise
1 day Lakewood will be a completely paid fire department with no volunteers.
Hey #5: Not with the “200 new Community Volunteers” oh wait they never showed up…. guess Lakewood will be all paid.
Why is the clover station unnecessary? Geographically it serves a large area.
Charlie it is not a active fore station , there is no fire engine stationed there. it has served as a home for the fire police van as well as the office for the chiefs
The township and BOE will have tax increases so be prepared.
Lakewood is growing but the amount of new Businesses is very small due to the demographics of Lakewood. We need new big box stores and other forms of light industry to help with the tax issues that are going to continue in Lakewood. The township committee should pass a bill of a building moratorium for five years till the infrastructure is fixed.