200 Bell Road, Mt. Ephraim, NJ. 08059
Non-Emergency Phone: (856) 931-6532
Fax: (856) 931-8124
PUBLIC INFORMATION NOTICE FROM THE
BOROUGH OF MOUNT EPHRAIM & MOUNT EPHRAIM FIRE DEPARTMENT
This information is for you, our neighbors and fellow tax payers of the Borough of Mount Ephraim to provide factual information relating to the proposed construction of a new fire station. Your Fire Department has nothing to hide about this proposed project nor do the elected officials. Any questions relating to this issue will be gladly answered.
How long has the Mount Ephraim Fire Department (“MEFD”) provided fire protection to the Borough?
With the organization of United Fire Company in 1909 and Fire Company No. 2 in 1926, the Fire Department has been providing uninterrupted fire protection for over 99 years.
How many paid firefighters are there?
The MEFD is 100% volunteer and always has been. No member receives a salary or stipend from either the MEFD or the Borough.
Why are there two fire stations if there is only one Fire Company?
In 2000, the two Fire Companies agreed to merge to form the MEFD as a means to provide better service to the community. This was by a unanimous vote of both organizations. We have maintained both buildings as they are needed to house the equipment.
Doesn’t the Borough own the Fire Stations?
No, the MEFD owns both buildings and is responsible for maintenance, repairs and utilities.
Why can’t both or one of the Fire Stations be renovated to meet the Fire Company needs?
An independent study paid for jointly by the Borough and MEFD was performed in December 2000 to determine the condition of both buildings and the feasibility of renovations. The study also included a review of response by members from their residence, data analysis, incident plot evaluation, apparatus needs, etc. The conclusion was that the existing fire stations did not meet the criteria of the study, both were cramped for modern fire apparatus and both presented structural issues that would be costly to repair.
Then why does the Borough need to build a new Fire Station?
The members of the MEFD have always owned the buildings. In the 99 years of service to the community, there were as many as seven mortgages taken out by either organization to fund construction or renovations. With the escalating costs of utilities, the need for a larger facility and the time constraints placed on the members, the assistance of the Borough was requested to make this project possible. The MEFD can no longer place this burden on its members.
What did the Fire Company do as a result of this study?
A Long Range Planning Committee and Building Committee were formed. Both reviewed the study in detail and with the elected officials. The MEFD purchased the residential property behind the Bell Road Station (205 James Street) should it be needed for future expansion. A 5-year plan was then developed to address either renovation to the Bell Road Station or the construction of a new facility as this provided the largest land area for the project.
What happened next?
Funding was sought from various Federal, State and private entities by the Borough and the MEFD. The MEFD also received invaluable assistance from several contractors, architects and engineers who provided assistance and guidance at no cost to the community. We owe these individuals and their company’s our gratitude.
Why not include other municipal departments in the building?
The initial concept was to construct an Emergency Services facility to house offices and equipment for Emergency Management, Fire, and Police. Unfortunately the costs associated with a project of that magnitude were in excess of $18 million and there was insufficient area for parking police vehicles and the personal vehicles of the officers and other responders. Other plans were reviewed with the costs and land area again being restrictive.
Why should the tax payers be made to pay for a building that only benefits the Fire Company?
This building benefits the community. The Fire Company is part of the community and is made up of tax payers like you. The members have the same financial burdens everyone else has. We not only pay the same taxes you pay, but we continue to respond when called because someone needs help. No matter what time of day or day of the week, we are there for the community.
Well, what is the Fire Department giving the Borough in return for paying for the new station.
The MEFD has agreed to surrender both Fire Stations and the property at the rear of the Bell Road Station to the Borough. This minimizes property acquisition costs to paying off the outstanding loan balance on the aforementioned property. Once the new Fire Station is constructed, the Borough can then use the Lambert Avenue Fire Station as it sees fit.
Will the building cause my taxes to go up?
Yes, unfortunately everyone’s taxes will increase. The Borough has secured funding for the project through the Camden County Improvement Authority (“CCIA”) and has met on several occasions and reviewed numerous financial models to insure the least amount of financial impact to the tax payer as possible.
Why is this project happening now when the economy is in question?
This project did not just appear. The planning for the project started in 2000 as part of the foundation of the merger of the two Fire Companies. It has taken eight years, hundreds of hours and two administrations to get to this point. There are several variables, all financially related, that benefit moving this project forward now rather than later. The reduced interest rates make it easier, quicker and cheaper to sell municipal bonds thus reducing the overall payback. Because the construction industry has slowed, actual construction on the Fire Station should be quicker as there will be less distraction to the contractors that might have work at other sites. Material costs have leveled which will hopefully reduce the cost of the project.
$3 million seems a lot for one building. Why so much?
The actual project is not to exceed $3 million. The Borough was advised to by the CCIA to request more money than might be needed for the project as the Borough would be restricted from asking for additional funding if needed. Any money not used on the project can be used to pay down the loan.
What will be in the building?
The building will house all fire apparatus and related equipment, offices and training facilities, communications center and strategic planning center as a back-up to the Borough’s existing Emergency Management Center. The building will continue to be an emergency evacuation center and will be equipped with emergency generator power. The building will also utilize “green technology” to reduce utility costs.
Have the plans been finished?
Not yet. The Commissioners and MEFD met with the residents within 300 feet of the location to discuss their concerns. These concerns have since been incorporated into preliminary designs.
Who has a final say in what will be built and how much it will cost?
The Commissioners are responsible to insure that this project is what is needed for the community and that it is within the financial parameters established. Once designs are finalized, actual cost estimates can be established and the project put out to bid.
How will the residents know what is happening?
Information sessions are being scheduled so that the community will have a chance to see the plans and voice their opinion about the project. The dates for the sessions will most likely be posted on the town bulletin board, on Channel 19 and announced at the monthly Borough meeting.
We hope that this information has been helpful and will dispel any fears that either the Commissioners or the MEFD are trying to “sneak something by.” This project will benefit the community for now and the foreseeable future. It is also a way of reducing the financial burden that has been placed on the shoulders of the men and women of the MEFD for nearly a century. As a community and as neighbors, we have laughed and celebrated together through the best of times and we have also cried and mourned together through the worst of times. As your neighbors, we hope that this will be a time to laugh and celebrate as part of the rejuvenation of our community.
Any questions, concerns or comments can be addressed to Mayor Joseph Wolk, President Richard Holmes or Chief Mario Scullan.
Thank you and be safe