The Hopewell Borough Board of Fire Commissioners have canceled the meeting scheduled for August 14th, and business will take place at the work session meeting on the 28th.
Public Documents
Year Description File
2020 2020 Budget Download
2020 Vendor Compensated Download
2019 Audit Download
2019 2019 Budget Download
2018 2018 Budget Download
2018 Audit Download
2017 2017 Budget Download
2016 2016 Budget Download
2015 2015 Budget Download
2016 2016 Audit Download
2017 2017 Audit Download
2021 2021 Adopted Budget Resolution Download
2020 2020 Audit Download
2021 2021 Audit Download
2022 2022 Budget Download
2023 2023 Introduced Budget Download
2022 2022 Vendors Who Received More Than $17,500 Download
2022 2022 Adopted Budget Download
2023 2023 Adopted Budget Download
2023 2022 Year end audit Download
2024 2024 INTRODUCED BUDGET Download
2024 2024 ADOPTED BUDGET Download
2024 2024 Approved Budget Download
Year Description File
2016 2016 Agreements Download
2022 Fire Inspection Agreement Download
2022 Lease Agreement between HFD and HB BoFC Download
2018 Debt Service Agreement for Rescue 52 Download
2022 BLS Provider Agreement between Borough of Hopewell and HB BoFC Download
2023 Hopewell Borough & Hopewell Twp Shared Service Agreement for Inspection Services Download
2023 Hopewell Boro & Hopewell Twp Shared Services Agreement for Contracted EMS Services Download
2024 Shared Service Agreement for EMS Coverage Download
2024 Co-Op Agreement for HCESC of NJ Download
2024 Sourcewell Co-op Agreement Download
2024 Bergen County Co-Op Agreement Download
2024 ESCNJ Co-Op Agreement Download
Year | Resolution Number | Title | File |
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2019 | 19-01 | Download | |
2020 | 20-18 | Download | |
2020 | 20-13 | Download | |
2020 | 20-14 | Download | |
2020 | 20-17 | Download | |
2020 | 20-19 | Download | |
2020 | 20-16 | Download | |
2020 | 20-15 | Download | |
2020 | 20-24 | Download | |
2020 | 20-20 | Download | |
2020 | 20-21 | Download | |
2020 | 20-22 | Download | |
2020 | 20-23 | Download | |
2020 | 20-27 | Download | |
2020 | 20-16 | Download | |
2020 | 20-25 | Download | |
2020 | 20-08 | Download | |
2020 | 20-09 | Download | |
2020 | 20-10 | Download | |
2020 | 20-03 | Download | |
2020 | 20-02 | Download | |
2020 | 20-01 | Download | |
2020 | 20-04 | Download | |
2020 | 20-05 | Download | |
2020 | 20-06 | Download | |
2020 | 20-07 | Download | |
2017 | 17-05 | Download | |
2017 | 17-06 | Download | |
2017 | 17-07 | Download | |
2017 | 17-08 | Download | |
2017 | 17-09 | Download | |
2017 | 17-10 | Download | |
2017 | 17-11 | Download | |
2017 | 17-12 | Download | |
2017 | 17-13 | Download | |
2017 | 17-18 | Download | |
2017 | 17-17 | Download | |
2017 | 17-16 | Download | |
2017 | 17-15 | Download | |
2017 | 17-14 | Download | |
2017 | 17-19 | Download | |
2017 | 17-20 | Download | |
2017 | 17-21 | Download | |
2017 | 17-22 | Download | |
2017 | 17-27 | Download | |
2017 | 17-26 | Download | |
2017 | 17-25 | Download | |
2017 | 17-23 | Download | |
2017 | 17-24 | Download | |
2017 | 17-28 | Download | |
2017 | 17-29 | Download | |
2017 | 17-30 | Download | |
2017 | 17-31 | Download | |
2017 | 17-36 | Download | |
2017 | 17-35 | Download | |
2017 | 17-34 | Download | |
2017 | 17-33 | Download | |
2017 | 17-32 | Download | |
2017 | 17-37 | Download | |
2017 | 17-38 | Download | |
2019 | 19-06 | Download | |
2019 | 19-05 | Download | |
2019 | 19-04 | Download | |
2019 | 19-03 | Download | |
2019 | 19-02 | Download | |
2019 | 19-11 | Download | |
2019 | 19-10 | Download | |
2019 | 19-09 | Download | |
2019 | 19-08 | Download | |
2019 | 19-07 | Download | |
2019 | 19-16 | Download | |
2019 | 19-15 | Download | |
2019 | 19-14 | Download | |
2019 | 19-12 | Download | |
2019 | 19-13 | Download | |
2019 | 19-17 | Download | |
2019 | 19-18 | Download | |
2019 | 19-19 | Download | |
2019 | 19-20 | Download | |
2019 | 19-25 | Download | |
2019 | 19-24 | Download | |
2019 | 19-23 | Download | |
2019 | 19-21 | Download | |
2019 | 19-22 | Download | |
2019 | 19-26 | Download | |
2019 | 19-27 | Download | |
2019 | 19-28 | Download | |
2019 | 19-29 | Download | |
2019 | 19-33 | Download | |
2019 | 19-34 | Download | |
2019 | 19-32 | Download | |
2019 | 19-30 | Download | |
2019 | 19-31 | Download | |
2019 | 19-35 | Download | |
2019 | 19-36 | Download | |
2019 | 19-37 | Download | |
2017 | 17-01 | Download | |
2017 | 17-02 | Download | |
2017 | 17-04 | Download | |
2017 | 17-03 | Download | |
2021 | 21-16 | Download | |
2021 | 21-01 | Download | |
2021 | 21-02 | Download | |
2021 | 21-03 | Download | |
2021 | 21-05 | Download | |
2021 | 21-04 | Download | |
2021 | 21-06 | Download | |
2021 | 21-09 | Download | |
2021 | 21-07 | Download | |
2021 | 21-08 | Download | |
2021 | 21-12 | Download | |
2021 | 21-10 | Download | |
2021 | 21-13 | Download | |
2021 | 21-14 | Download | |
2021 | 21-15 | Download | |
2021 | 21-11 | Download | |
2021 | 21-18 | Download | |
2021 | 21-20 | Download | |
2021 | 21-17 | Download | |
2021 | 21-19 | Download | |
2021 | 21-21 | Download | |
2020 | 20-12 | Download | |
2021 | 20-21 | Download | |
2021 | 21-23 | Download | |
2021 | 21-24 | Download | |
2021 | 21-25 | Download | |
2021 | 21-26 | Download | |
2021 | 21-27 | Download | |
2021 | 21-28 | Download | |
2021 | 21-29 | Download | |
2021 | 21-30 | Download | |
2021 | 21-31 | Download | |
2021 | 21-32 | Download | |
2021 | 21-33 | Download | |
2021 | 21-34 | Download | |
2021 | 21-36 | Download | |
2021 | 21-37 | Download | |
2021 | 21-38 | Download | |
2021 | 21-39 | Download | |
2021 | 21-40 | Download | |
2021 | 21-41 | Download | |
2021 | 21-42 | Download | |
2021 | 21-43 | Download | |
2021 | 21-44 | Download | |
2021 | 21-45 | Download | |
2021 | 21-35 | Download | |
2022 | 22-01 | Download | |
2022 | 22-02 | Download | |
2022 | 22-03 | Download | |
2022 | 22-04 | Download | |
2022 | 22-05 | Download | |
2022 | 22-06 | Download | |
2022 | 22-07 | Download | |
2022 | 22-08 | Download | |
2022 | 22-09 | Download | |
2022 | 22-10 | Download | |
2022 | 22-11 | Download | |
2022 | 22-12 | Download | |
2022 | 22-13 | Download | |
2022 | 22-14 | Download | |
2022 | 22-15 | Download | |
2022 | 22-16 | Download | |
2022 | 22-17 | Download | |
2022 | 22-18 | Download | |
2022 | 22-19 | Download | |
2022 | 22-25 | Download | |
2022 | 22-30 | Download | |
2022 | 22-31 | Download | |
2022 | 22-32 | Download | |
2022 | 22-33 | Download | |
2022 | 22-34 | Download | |
2022 | 22-35 | Download | |
2022 | 22-38 | Download | |
2022 | 22-39 | Download | |
2022 | 22-40 | Download | |
2022 | 22-41 | Download | |
2022 | 22-42 | Download | |
2022 | 22-43 | Download | |
2022 | 22-44 | Download | |
2022 | 22-45 | Download | |
2022 | 22-20 | Download | |
2022 | 22-21 | Download | |
2022 | 22-22 | Download | |
2022 | 22-23 | Download | |
2022 | 22-24 | Download | |
2022 | 22-27 | Download | |
2022 | 22-28 | Download | |
2022 | 22-29 | Download | |
2022 | 22-26 | Download | |
2021 | 21-46 | Download | |
2021 | 21-47 | Download | |
2021 | 21-48 | Download | |
2021 | 21-49 | Download | |
2021 | 21-50 | Download | |
2021 | 21-51 | Download | |
2023 | 2023-01 | Amend 2023 Budget | Download |
2023 | 2023-02 | 2023 Adopted Budget | Download |
2023 | 2023-03 | January Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-04 | Authorizing a Shared Services Agreement for Fire Inspections | Download |
2023 | 2023-05 | Authorizing Budget to be Read by Title | Download |
2023 | 2023-06 | Designating Official Newspapers for 2023 | Download |
2023 | 2023-07 | Appointment of Attorney for 2023 | Download |
2023 | 2023-08 | Transfer of Funds for 2022 Budget | Download |
2023 | 2023-09 | Appointment of Accountant/Auditor 2023 | Download |
2023 | 2023-10 | Designation of Depositories of Funds | Download |
2023 | 2023-11 | Authorizing Payment of the Tanker | Download |
2023 | 2023-12 | Appointment of Insurance Agency | Download |
2023 | 2023-13 | Authorizing passing of Temporary Budget | Download |
2023 | 2023-14 | Authorizing Shared Services Agreement for Contracted Emergency Medical Services | Download |
2023 | 2023-15 | February Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-16 | Authorizing the Payment of the Rescue | Download |
2023 | 2023-17 | Appointment of the Custodian of Government Records | Download |
2023 | 2023-18 | Passing of Volunteer FF and FAS Property Tax Credits | Download |
2023 | 2023-19 | Authorizing an Executive Session | Download |
2023 | 2023-21 | March Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-22 | Authorizing a Truck Preventive Maintenance Company | Download |
2023 | 2023-23 | Designating Representative for Board Banking Accounts | Download |
2023 | 2023-24 | Authorizing an Executive Session | Download |
2023 | 2023-25 | Amending the LOSAP Payment for 2022 | Download |
2023 | 2023-26 | March Treasurer's Report - Amended | Download |
2023 | 2023-27 | April Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-28 | Authorizing the Removal of the Claimants Certification | Download |
2023 | 2023-29 | Authorizing an MOU between HB BOFC and NJSP OEM | Download |
2023 | 2023-30 | Authorizing an Executive Session | Download |
2023 | 2023-31 | May Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-32 | Authorizing an Executive Session | Download |
2023 | 2023-33 | June Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-34 | Annual Testing Authorization | Download |
2023 | 2023-35 | Authorization for Surplus Equipt to be Auctioned | Download |
2023 | 2023-36 | July Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-37 | August Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-38 | Refunding Hopewell Twp BoFC LOSAP Funds | Download |
2023 | 2023-39 | September Treasurer's Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-40 | Authorizing a Purchase of Water Rescue Boat | Download |
2023 | 2023-41 | Tanker Payment | Download |
2023 | 2023-42 | October Treasurer Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-43 | 2022 Audit Affidavit | Download |
2023 | 2023-44 | Approval of SOPs | Download |
2023 | 2023-45 | November Treasurer Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-46 | Purchase of Fire Alarm System | Download |
2023 | 2023-47 | Utility Truck Purchase Capital Expense | Download |
2023 | 2023-48 | Radio Purchase Capital Expense | Download |
2023 | 2023-49 | December Treasurer Report | Download |
2023 | 2023-50 | Amend Fire Alarm Purchase | Download |
2023 | 2023-51 | Transfer of Funds | Download |
2023 | 2023-52 | Intro of 2024 Budget | Download |
2023 | 2023-53 | 2024 Annual Meeting Dates | Download |
2023 | 2023-54 | Extending Fire Protection Agreement | Download |
2023 | 2023-55 | Appointing a PACO | Download |
2023 | 2023-56 | Authorizing 2024 Insurance Payment | Download |
2024 | 2024-11 | ESTABLISH TEMP 2024 BUDGET | Download |
2024 | 2024-10 | APPOINT CUSTODIAN OF RECORD | Download |
2024 | 2024-09 | APPOINT INSURANCE | Download |
2024 | 2024-08 | DEPOSITORY FUNDS | Download |
2024 | 2024-07 | APPOINT CLERK | Download |
2024 | 2024-06 | APPOINT AUDITOR | Download |
2024 | 2024-05 | APPOINT ATTORNEY | Download |
2024 | 2024-04 | APPOINT NEWSPAPERS | Download |
2024 | 2024-03 | 2024 BUDGET TO BE READ BY TITLE | Download |
2024 | 2024-02 | JANUARY TREASURER REPORT | Download |
2024 | 2024-01 | 2024 ADOPTED BUDGET HEARING | Download |
2024 | 2024-19 | APRIL TREASURER REPORT | Download |
2024 | 2024-20 | Utility Purchase from Winner Ford | Download |
2024 | 2024-21 | Skylands FF Gear Purchase | Download |
2024 | 2024-22 | Airbag Purchase | Download |
2024 | 2024-12 | Rescue Payment | Download |
2024 | 2024-13 | Transfers | Download |
2024 | 2024-14 | February Treasurers Report | Download |
2024 | 2024-15 | Accept 2023 LOSAP List | Download |
2024 | 2024-16 | EMS Shared Services Agreement | Download |
2024 | 2024-17 | March Treasurers Report | Download |
2024 | 2024-18 | Authorizing a new SSA for Contracted EMS | Download |
2024 | 2024-26 | All Hands Gear Purchase | Download |
2024 | 2024-23 | LOSAP Payment | Download |
2024 | 2024-24 | May Treasurer Report | Download |
2024 | 2024-25 | Join Co-Ops | Download |
2024 | 2024-27 | Fire Annual Maint | Download |
2024 | 2024-28 | Executive Session | Download |
2024 | 2024-29 | June Treasurer Report | Download |
2024 | 2024-30 | Hurst Annual Maint | Download |
2024 | 2024-31 | HCESC Co-op | Download |
2024 | 2024-32 | Tanker Repairs | Download |
Year Description File
2024 2024 January Meeting Download
2024 2024 February Meeting Download
2023 2023 August Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 July Meeting Minutes Download
2019 2019 April Minutes Download
2023 2023 June Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 May Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 April Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 March Meeting Minutes Download
2019 2019 February Minutes Download
2023 2023 February Meeting Minutes Download
2019 2019 January Minutes Download
2019 2019 July Minutes Download
2019 2019 June Minutes Download
2019 2019 March Minutes Download
2019 2019 May Minute Download
2018 2018 April Minutes Download
2018 2018 August Minutes Download
2018 2018 December Minutes Download
2018 2018 February Minutes Download
2018 2018 January Minutes Download
2018 2018 July Minutes Download
2018 2018 June Minutes Download
2018 2018 March Minutes Download
2018 2018 March Special Minutes Download
2018 2018 May Minutes Download
2018 2018 November Minutes Download
2018 2018 October minutes Download
2018 2018 September Minutes Download
2017 2017 April 12 Download
2017 2017 August 9 Download
2017 2017 December 2 Download
2017 2017 February 8 Download
2017 2017 January 11 Download
2017 2017 July 12 Download
2017 2017 June 14 Download
2017 2017 June 28 Download
2017 2017 March 8 Download
2017 2017 May 10 Download
2017 2017 November 8 Download
2017 2017 October 11 Download
2017 2017 October Minutes Download
2016 2016 April 13 Download
2016 2016 August10 Download
2016 2016 December 14 Download
2016 2016 February 10 Download
2016 2016 January 13 Download
2016 2016 July 13 Download
2016 2016 June 8 Download
2016 2016 March 9 Download
2016 2016 May 11 Download
2016 2016 November 9 Download
2016 2016 NovemberSpecialMeetingminutes Download
2016 2016 October 12 Download
2016 2016 September 14 Download
2020 2020 November Minutes Download
2020 2020 February Minutes Download
2020 2020 April Minutes Download
2020 2020 March Minutes Download
2020 2020 May Minutes Download
2020 2020 June Minutes Download
2020 2020 September Minutes Download
2020 2020 August Minutes Download
2020 2020 July Minutes Download
2019 January Minutes Download
2019 September Minutes Download
2019 August Minutes Download
2019 October Minutes Download
2019 November Minutes Download
2019 December Minutes Download
2020 JANUARY Minutes Download
2020 October Minutes Download
2021 2021 January Minutes Download
2021 2021 February Minutes Download
2021 2021 March Minutes Download
2021 2021 April Minutes Download
2021 2021 May Minutes Download
2021 2021 June Minutes Download
2021 2021 July Minutes Download
2021 2021 August Minutes Download
2021 2021 September Minutes Download
2021 2021 October Minutes Download
2021 2021 December Minutes Download
2022 2022 January Minutes Download
2022 2022 February Minutes Download
2022 2022 March Minutes Download
2022 2022 April Minutes Download
2022 2022 May Minutes Download
2022 2022 July Minutes Download
2022 2022 August Minutes Download
2022 2022 September Minutes Download
2022 2022 June Minutes
2022 2022 October Minutes
2022 2022 November Minutes
2022 2022 December Minutes
2023 2023 January Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 September Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 October Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 November Meeting Minutes Download
2023 2023 December Meeting Minutes Download
2024 2024 March Meeting Minutes Download
2024 2024 April Meeting Minutes Download
2024 2024 May Meeting Minutes Download
Year | Month | Description | File |
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2019 | January | January Agenda | Download |
2019 | February | February Agenda | Download |
2019 | March | March Agenda | Download |
2019 | April | April Agenda | Download |
2019 | May | May Agenda | Download |
2019 | June | June Agenda | Download |
2019 | July | July Agenda | Download |
2019 | August | August Agenda | Download |
2019 | September | September Agenda | Download |
2019 | October | October Agenda | Download |
2019 | November | November Agenda | Download |
2020 | January | January Agenda | Download |
2020 | February | February Agenda | Download |
2020 | March | March Agenda | Download |
2020 | April | April Agenda | Download |
2020 | May | May Agenda | Download |
2020 | June | June Agenda | Download |
2020 | September | September Agenda | Download |
2020 | August | August Agenda | Download |
2020 | July | July Agenda | Download |
2020 | October | October Agenda | Download |
2020 | December | 2020 December Agenda | Download |
2021 | February | February Agenda | Download |
2021 | January | January Agenda | Download |
2021 | March | March Agenda | Download |
2021 | April | April Agenda | Download |
2021 | May | May Agenda | Download |
2021 | June | June Agenda | Download |
2021 | August | August Agenda | Download |
2021 | September | September Agenda | Download |
2021 | October | October Agenda | Download |
2021 | November | November Agenda | Download |
2021 | July | July 14 Agenda | Download |
2022 | January | January Agenda | Download |
2022 | March | March Agenda | Download |
2022 | April | April Agenda | Download |
2022 | May | May Agenda | Download |
2022 | June | June Agenda | Download |
2022 | October | October Agenda | Download |
2022 | December | December Agenda | Download |
2022 | November | November Agenda | Download |
2022 | February | February Agenda | Download |
2022 | July | July Agenda | Download |
2022 | August | August Agenda | Download |
2022 | September | September Agenda | Download |
2021 | December | December Agenda | Download |
2023 | January | January Agenda | Download |
2023 | February | February Agenda | Download |
2023 | March | March Agenda | Download |
2023 | April | April Agenda | Download |
2023 | May | May Agenda | Download |
2023 | June | June Agenda | Download |
2023 | July | July Agenda | Download |
2023 | August | August Agenda | Download |
2023 | September | September Agenda | Download |
2023 | October | October Agenda | Download |
2023 | December | December Agenda | Download |
2023 | November | November Agenda | Download |
2024 | January | January Agenda | Download |
2024 | February | February Agenda | Download |
2024 | April | April Agenda | Download |
2024 | March | March Agenda | Download |
2024 | May | May 8th Agenda | Download |
2024 | May | May 22 Agenda | Download |
2024 | June | June Agenda | Download |
Year | Misc Item | Document |
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2021 | Election Results | Download... |
2022 | Election Results | |
2023 | 2023 OATH OF OFFICE FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS | Download... |
Mission StatementHopewell Borough Fire District No. 1 is an autonomous entity responsible for providing fire protection and extinguishing fires within the geographic boundaries of the fire district, in general the Borough of Hopewell, Mercer County, New Jersey. The Fire District is funded through a fire tax and governed by a five member Board of Fire Commissioners. Its mission is to protect life, property and the environment from damage due to fire and environmental emergencies in our district, and to assist neighboring communities in their mission to do the same. The Fire District's administrative office is located in the Hopewell Fire Department firehouse in Hopewell, New Jersey.If you wish to send correspondence, please send it to: Hopewell Borough Fire District No. 1 Attn: Board of Fire Commissioners PO Box 141 Hopewell, New Jersey 08525 |
BOFC Public Meetings
BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS
HOPEWELL BOROUGH FIRE DISTRICT NO.1
NOTICE OF HYBRID FORMAT PUBLIC MEETING
JUNE 9,2021
Whereas effective June 4, 2021, the public health emergency declared by the governor in Executive Order 103 (2020) was terminated, the Board of Fire Commissioners of Hopewell Borough Fire District #1 will hold its June 9, 2021 regular business meeting as a hybrid public meeting (in-person as well as accessible remotely). Room capacity and/or other restrictions pursuant to federal and/or state guidelines will be followed
The meeting shall be held in-person beginning at 7:00 pm at the Hopewell Fire Department firehouse at 4 Columbia Avenue, Hopewell, New Jersey. Members of the public desiring to participate in the meeting remotely, either as a telephonic or virtual meeting, may do so via Google Meet.
Electronic sign-in for each meeting:
https://meet.google.com/aem-snde-hba
Meeting ID: 883 9518 2860
Passcode: 637117
For telephonic participation dial (US)1-954-241-3223
PIN: 194853709#
The information on how to join and participate in a meeting, as well as available relevant documents for each meeting, will also be available on the “BoFC” web page at www.hopewellfire.com
Members of the public may make public comment by audio, or by audio and video during the Public Comment period of the meeting. Public comments and questions may also be made in advance of any meeting by submitting an e-mail to wmullen@hopewellfire.com by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting or in written letter form to the Secretary, Board of Fire Commissioners at PO Box 141, Hopewell, NJ 08525 and received by 4:00 p.m. on the day before the meeting. Any timely question or comment submitted will be read aloud and addressed in the Public Comment period of the meeting. Questions or comments received after the stated times will not be read aloud or included in the Public Comment period.
The board’s Standard Procedures and Requirements for Public Comment Made During or Submitted Prior to a Remote or Hybrid Public Meeting can be found on the board’s website at www.hopewellfire.com
At each meeting the board will conduct all business to come before it and/or as needed or desirable for the continuing operation of the fire district. Formal action of the board will be taken and an executive (closed) session may follow a meeting if necessary.
BOFC Meeting Calendar
Our Commissioners
-
Schuyler Morehouse
Chairman
December 2022 to December 2025 -
Mel
MyersVice Chairman
December 2023 to December 2026 -
Paul
EvansCommissioner at Large
April 2020 to December 2024 -
Greg
DaviesTreasurer
December 2023 to December 2026 -
John
BlasiSecretary
December 2023 to December 2024
Founding of the Fire Commissioners
Ben Franklin is quite often considered the First American Fire Chief, but he also was known as an early pioneer of American Fire Insurance, which was already well established overseas in England. Many rumors exist about Fire Departments that would not extinguish fires in places that were not insured or display insurance placards (called firemarks) on their homes. Rumors also surfaced that firefighters worked more quickly on homes that were insured. While most of these tales are fictitious, there is some truth to some myths, as many of the firemen worked for Franklin and other insurance companies. Insurance companies still play a large part in Fire Services since the typical home insurance premiums quite often depend on the fire services and infrastructure a municipality has. The creation of the fire tax was created to offset this cost to meet the requirements of insurance companies and citizen needs around the country.1
From its creation in 1911, until the mid 1980’s, The Hopewell Fire Department depended upon donations from residents and various fund raising activities to finance the volunteer fire department’s activities. On occasion, large donations and grants from individuals, estates and major business enterprises also made it possible for the volunteer fire department to acquire needed fire fighting units. Soliciting needed donations “door to door” was a major time consuming effort requiring up to six months of effort each year.
By the 1980’s these efforts became insufficient to ensure that the long term needs of the volunteer fire department could be met and therefore the voters of Hopewell Borough approved a referendum to establish a municipal “Board of Fire Commissioners”. The Board consists of five elected, unpaid members who must be residents of the Borough and serve three year terms.
Every year, two seats on the Board are up for a public election, which is conducted on the third Saturday of every February pursuant to state law. Every third year, only one seat on the Board is up for election. The Board of Fire Commissioners establishes a proposed fire district budget which is submitted for approval by the voters of Hopewell Borough. Also on the third Saturday of February, every year pursuant to state law, a “temporary budget”, not to exceed fourteen percent of the proposed budget, is allowed under state law until a final budget is approved by the voters. The temporary budget exists because the annual budget for the Fire District is on a calendar year basis, i.e. January through December, and operating funds are needed prior to the February budget vote.
Upon approval of the annual budget, a fire district tax is calculated and included in the quarterly tax bills, which the Borough of Hopewell submits to all property owners. The Borough subsequently makes distribution of the fire district tax collected to the Board of Fire Commissioners in a percentage and on dates as prescribed by state law.
The Hopewell Borough Board of Fire Commissioners have an established an agreement with the Hopewell Township Board of Fire Commissioners whereby the Township Board has agreed to reimburse the Hopewell Board for seventy percent of the Hopewell Board’s annual operational and capital budget. This is because it was determined that seventy percent of the fire and emergency medical calls to which the volunteer Hopewell Fire Department and Emergency Medical Unit responds are within the boundaries of the Township of Hopewell. Accordingly the fire district tax levy paid by the property owners in Hopewell Borough is only thirty percent of the total annual fire district budget.
1. Shea, R. M. (2014, March). AMERICAN FIRE MARKS - A GOOD STORY. Retrieved November 26, 2020, from https://firemarkcircle.org/images/files/goodstory.htm