MIDDLE TOWNSHIP FIRE DISTRICT #2

Budget Work Session
October 22, 2024

A Budget Work Session was held on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at 6pm with Commissioners
Robert Zimmerman, Conrad Johnson, Jenifer Sill, J. Gregory Neill and Jean Zimmerman
attending. Leon Costello, CPA, Fire Apparatus Coordinator Bob Sweeten, Fire Inspector Helen
Graham and Rio Grande Fire Chief Howard Graham were also in attendance.
FIRE BUREAU: Helen Graham spoke on behalf of Fire Official Dan DeSimone in his absence. She
presented the fire bureau’s proposed 2025 budget requests. The bureau requests:
Wages – Cost of Living increase of 2½% for all Fire Prevention Inspector employees
Office – two (2) new office chairs, approximate cost $200-$600 each
Fire Prevention materials; quote of $2,163.92 from Foremost Promotions for kids’ firefighter
hats and Fire Safety Grab Bags. This quote included a $75 discount.
The office chairs were requested last year without quotes and Helen said they were not aware
that they were approved and that’s why requested again. Robert Zimmerman asked if all the
commissioners were okay with the 2½% increase. Leon Costello questioned the amounts to be
adjusted and Robert answered with who was to be increased. Helen asked if they still needed
to get permission when ordering supplies. Robert said yes because this process seemed to be
working out. Greg Neill said she could always call him. Robert also mentioned that if it was just
for paper and envelopes, then she could go ahead and order what she needed.
FIRE APPARATUS: Bob Sweeten requested two (2) sets of batteries: for the tanker now and has
asked for a price quote from Shop 1 and squad for next year. He also said new shocks were on
the front of tanker from normal maintenance but it was noticed by Barry of Fire & Safety that
the walker bar on the rear and tandem pulled out of passenger side and will need to be
serviced at General Spring on Rt 40, Newfield near Malaga. Quint needs new packing and Barry
will try to adjust the packing on the tanker.
CHIEF’S OFFICE: Howard Graham would like to purchase:
Turn out gear – not happy with current brand and is looking at demo different brand. Demo
five (5) sets of gear would be any where from $2500-$4500 each.
CPR training would be $500
Annual Services approximately $17,210
Portable radios are over 20 years old and not designed for the fire service, they are more of a
public works. Big thing is, NFPA is pushing for intrinsically safe. 33 portable radios were quoted
from Motorola at $306,054.05 including chargers and installation. Motorola does financing or
the possibility of a Grant Writer for $2,350 and if awarded, would have to pay 5% of the total
price. Greg Neill thought maybe getting portable radios when new trucks are purchased. Robert
Zimmerman said six (6) portables for the Quint would be just under $56,000

COMMISSIONERS: Leon Costello, CPA, gave each of the commissioners a preliminary 2025
Budget package and then went over the numbers with everyone. With the adjusted numbers,
he will be able to have the 2025 Budget to us for our November meeting.
Robert Zimmerman read Resolution 2024-16, Establishing the Compensation for the Members
of the Board of Commissioners for the Fiscal Year 2025. All commissioners present voted aye.
Greg Neill talked about Ordinance 1206-05 that is An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 512-
85 for the Enforcement of the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code within the Township of Middle. He
would like Mr. Braslow to introduce the ordinance at a township meeting representing Fire
District 1 &2. Motion Conrad Johnson, second Greg Neill to have Mr. Braslow represent Fire
Districts 1 & 2 to discuss Ordinance 1206-05 with Middle Township. All commissioners present
voted aye.

Jean Zimmerman, Secretary