Hamilton has 9 fire districts run by 45 commissioners that employ 110 careers firefighters.
HAMILTON — Seven of Hamilton's nine fire districts have proposed budgets for 2016 that have increased bottom lines from the previous year, prompting some Hamilton council members to urge residents to vote in fire elections next weekend.
"It is essential that the voters of Hamilton Township are aware of what is being proposed in the budgets of the nine fire districts," Councilman Dennis Pone said in a joint statement from the council.
Fire district elections are Feb 20.
Such elections traditionally have low voter turnout statewide. Ballots include budgets and the election of fire commissioners.
And with the possible consolidation of Hamilton fire districts on the horizon, council members say it's even more important this year that voters turn out next weekend.
"The township council has the ability to review fire budgets only if the voters defeat a budget," Councilman, Dave Kenny said. He said this year's vote is "critical."
Two fire districts are proposing significant tax increases, the council said.
District 4, in the Bromley neighborhood, is seeking a 13% overall increase and District 7, in Nottingham, is proposing a 10.9% increase in their budget.
An increased budget does not necessarily mean an increased tax rate, since budget increases can be covered by surpluses or other revenue.
But a larger budget can lead to an increase in a property owners' tax bill.
For example, in District 7, the proposed budget for 2016 is $4,088,577, a 10.9% increase from the $3,685,942 last year.
This year, the budget calls for $3,835,519 to be raised by taxes, an increase of 8.7% over last year's levy of $3,527,743.
The increase is causing District 7's tax rate to increase from 23 to 25 cents per $100 of a property's assessed value in 2016.
District 4's budget could not be examined because it was not posted on the district website.
"It is outrageous that such tax increases could be proposed. This is why we need consolidation of the fire districts," Councilman Edward Gore said in the statement.
Starting last fall, the fire unions that represent the career firefighters in Hamilton started a door-to-door campaign to have Hamilton taxpayers sign petitions to consolidate the town's nine fire districts into one district, leading to a single firefighting force.
The unions were buoyed by the boards of fire commissioners at three districts, 9, 6 and 5, that passed resolutions publicly calling for consolidation just weeks before.
The unions, many council members and some commissioners said it was time for Hamilton to consolidate the districts to create a more efficient fire service that would avoid duplication, enhance firefighter safety and have a township-wide tax rate.
The unions have completed the petitioning, but have yet to turn the petitions over to the council.
If 5 percent of a district's voters sign the petitions, the council holds a public hearing and vote on whether or not to dissolve the district, or possibly merge it with another district.
Also in the mix, though, is Mayor Kelley Yaede.
In late October, the mayor announced that the state Department of Community Affairs agreed to study the consolidation of Hamilton's nine fire districts at no cost to the township.
That study is also pending.
The council has been prodding the unions to hand over the petitions to get the process started.
In their Wednesday statement, the council produced numbers, saying:
"In all, the fire districts maintain 46 vehicles at taxpayer expense. There are 19 engine or ladder trucks, seven vehicles for fire chiefs, two rescue trucks, a fire prevention truck and 17 other assorted vehicles. "
Hamilton nine districts are governed by 45 commissioners - five per district — and the council says their combined salaries are $497,543.00.
"The amount spent on fire protection because of inefficiencies and duplications with 9 separate fire districts must be remedied. Township taxpayers deserve a more efficient fire service which would come from fire district consolidation," Council President Ileana Schirmer said.
The presidents of the fire unions, locals of the Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association (FMBA), Nick Buroczi and Michael Kiernan, responded to the council with a joint statement.
"Every registered voter in Hamilton should show up at the polls on February 20, this is the best way to have their voices heard" the statement said.
"We have said to anyone willing to listen that going from 9 districts to 1 will help bring a more fair distribution of costs for this essential service to all homeowners," the statement said. "Residents have responded positively, and we look forward to entering a new phase of this effort soon."
The districts employ about 110 career firefighters, and many fire stations are staffed 24 hours a day.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.