To the residents and businesses of Woodbridge Fire District #1

The Board of Fire Commissioners of Fire District #1 would like to provide you the following information in light of questions and concerns brought to our attention regarding the upcoming Fire District Budget and Referendum questions on Saturday, February 18, 2023.

The 2023 budget we are asking the public to approve is for approximately $17 million, of which, $15.3 million is to be raised by taxation. Included in this amount are previously voter approved items such as replacement of self-contained breathing apparatus, replacement of two way radios, and firehouse modifications to make the building drainage system compliant.

The $17 million budget includes the $3.4 million being asked for in the referendum question to hire 12 additional firefighters. This cost is comprised of salary, benefits, pension, training, uniforms, personal protective equipment, and other specialized rescue equipment. The additional personnel are needed to maintain minimum standards of safe staffing levels for our residents and our firefighters. Unfortunately, over the last decade, we have seen a drastic reduction in community members volunteering to be firefighters due to societal changes and increases in training hours and requirements. In 2012 we had an average of 6.4 volunteers responding to an incident whereas in 2022 that number was 1.5. The Board of Fire Commissioners has been proactive in trying to replace those 5 less people responding to you when you call 9-1-1 in cost effective ways. A recruitment company was contracted to promote the volunteer fire company and recruit volunteer firefighters but has not been as successful as hoped. The Board of Fire Commissioners has also entered into automatic aid agreements with neighboring departments to provide assistance but due to their own call volume may not always be available when needed. These 12 additional firefighters will provide more personnel available to help you at a cost of approximately $350 a year or .95¢ per day.

The Board of Fire Commissioners hopes to have your support on this budget and referendum. As always, we are here to address any questions or concerns.

Call us anytime at 732-602-6040 and ask for Chief Michael Balog or Lisa.

Thank you