Manasquan Borough Fire District 1

The fire district budget includes discussion on the proposed budget increase over the 2023 budget, primarily due to capital appropriations for a new pumper truck. The budget also discusses the use of unrestricted fund balance to maintain the current tax rate, anticipated increase in bank interest income, salary increases, and the introduction of a new line item for fire bureau operating expenses. Capital appropriations for the purchase of a new pumper engine were approved by voters in November 2023. The proposed budget includes an appropriation to assist the Manasquan First Aid Squad.

The meeting included swearing in new Commissioners, approving resolutions for designating newspapers and public places for postings, authorizing the establishment of an official depository, additions and deletions of signatories on official depository, contracts for accounting, auditing, and legal services, establishing payment of salaries, wages and other compensation, and reaffirming the Board's prior actions, bylaws, policies, directives, decisions, orders, actions, contracts, obligations, rules and regulations and other acts and practices. The board positions for 2024 were accepted. The Chief's report mentioned support for increasing the number of members and looking forward to the purchase of the new engine. The approval of the Resolution Authorizing the Grant Application for the NJ Dept. of Community Affairs American Rescue Plan Firefighter Grant and the purchase of the new fire truck were also discussed.

The fire district budget includes discussion on the proposed budget increase from 2021, the use of unrestricted fund balance, and compliance with the Property Tax Levy Cap. The budget also covers capital appropriations for radio upgrades and future capital outlays, as well as debt service. Additionally, it addresses the provision of first aid and rescue squad services and the Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP).

The financial overview includes discussions on the increase in total net assets, the amount raised by taxation, and a decrease in total program expenses. The report also covers the district's net assets, changes in them, and the district's financial health. Additionally, it includes details on the general fund, original versus final budget, final budget versus actual results, capital assets, debt administration, economic factors, and the next year's budget and rates.

The fire district budget includes a resolution approving the budget for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2025, and ending December 31, 2025. The budget reflects total revenues and appropriations. The amount to be raised by taxation to support the budget is also specified. An annual election will be held to determine the amount to be raised by taxation for the ensuing year. The budget includes various revenue streams such as fund balance utilization, interest on investments, operating grant revenue, and revenues offset with appropriations. Appropriations cover administration, cost of operations and maintenance, appropriations offset with revenue, and capital appropriations. The budget also details information on fund balances, referendum line items, and levy cap calculation.