N.J. Fire Co. Controversy Raises Safety Concerns

Volunteers with the Ocean View Fire Co. are resigning and residents are worried about their safety as a growing controversy in the department threatens its existence.


Moran said there will be a steep learning curve because the former commissioners have provided minimum help during the transition. He said Matthews was the only commissioner to lose the recent election and still come to the new board's first meeting.

The proposed fire district budget would increase the amount to be raised by taxes by $13,000 to $368,000, a 0.2 cent increase on the tax rate, bringing the tax rate to 6 cents per $100 of assessed value. That rate is assessed only on properties within the fire district and not the entire township.

The rejection of a fire district budget is rare. Gurdgiel said it was the first time he had seen it happen in 35 years.

By law, the Township Committee will review the budget and hold a public hearing. That will take place at the regular meeting at 7 p.m Tuesday, March 5.

Township Committeeman Frank Germanio, who supervises fire and rescue for the committee, said no determination has been made about how the committee will revise the budget.

Contact Lee Procida:

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LProcida@pressofac.com

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