Most election cycles don’t include a budget that is approved unanimously by township voters, but when less than 30 people cast votes the odds improve. In keeping with historically lower on average turnouts for fire district elections, both Moorestown Fire District 1 and Moorestown Fire District 2 saw low turnouts and their yearly budgets approved by township residents.
The Moorestown Fire District 2 notched only 26 votes for its $1.25 million 2012 budget, which features a slight raise to the fire tax rate. All 26 of the votes cast in the election were in favor of the budget, unanimously approving the document.
The approved increase is .001 cent per every $100 of assessed property value, district representatives reported. The fire-tax rate will now be .068 cents per every $100 of assessed property value.
The amount to be raised by taxation would be a little more than $696,000, which is $12,000 more than the 2011 amount.
Incumbent Fire District Commissioners Lawrence F. Niedermayer Sr. and William J. Wesolowski each received 25 votes to hold onto their three-year terms. Niedermayer Sr. served as the secretary of the commissioners of Wesolowski serviced as the president.
“We’re always pleased when it comes out on the positive end. I don’t believe we’ve ever had a budget turned down by the voters. This year, we didn’t even have one ‘no’ vote, I hope that means that the public is pleased with the job we’re doing,” Wesolowski said. “Sometimes, if things aren’t going right the public will let you know how they feel about a certain situation. We’re pleased to be on the positive side again.”
Moorestown Fire District 1 saw a better turnout for its elections, with voters approving the $1.77 million 2012 budget by 362–75. The budget includes almost a $30,000 increase over the 2011 budget. The budget’s tax rate will remain flat at .049 cents per every $100 of assessed property value.
Homeowners in the township with an average assessed home of $529,800 will pay $259 in fire taxes for 2012.
Also, the rate includes debt service for the purchase of three pieces of fire apparatus approved by voters on Sept. 20, 2003.
Voters also approved an additional ballot questions for the replacement of a new brush unit in 2013. The amount of this purchase won’t exceed more than $100,000. The question was approved by a margin of 320–115.
Current Fire District Chairman and incumbent candidate Karl Shelley kept his seat with 310 votes, defeating candidate Bradley J. Kenny. Kenny received 162 votes.
The seat is for three-years.
All results for both districts are currently unofficial.
