Frequently Asked Questions - CRANBURY TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE 11-22-10 ENTITLED “VOLUNTEER FIRE COMPANY”

At the November 14 Township Committee meeting, Ordinance 11-22-10 was introduced to formalize the relationship between the township and the Cranbury Fire Company. The second reading and public hearing is scheduled for the November 28 Township Committee meeting. A link to the proposed ordinance was provided on November 15 and can be found here. This document is meant to address questions about this ordinance.

The Cranbury Volunteer Fire Company (VFC) was first formed in 1898. We are honored and humbled by the support of these volunteers and we thank them for their service.

Why is the township creating this ordinance?

The Township Committee has realized that the absence of a formal agreement with the VFC has caused significant confusion and will likely continue to do so in the future. Introducing this ordinance will alleviate any ambiguity and establish ownership responsibilities for both parties. The goal of this formal agreement is also to solidify the relationship between current parties and to honor the future fire company volunteers who may serve after the current TC members and current fire company leaders have moved on. An agreement with a volunteer fire company is statutorily provided for by NJ state law, and strongly advised by our legal counsel.

Does the ordinance restrict the fire company from soliciting and receiving donations to supplement their operations?

No, approximately 70% of the funding comes from the township’s annual operating allocation. The balance of the funding comes from private donations. No changes to this funding model are proposed in the ordinance. The VFC has its own Tax ID which allows it to solicit and receive donations from the community, town, and state and this will not change in any way.

Where does the funding come from for the volunteer fire company (VFC)?

It comes from township contribution and donations. In 2022, the township contributed $156,064, the maximum allowed by law. The township also provides workers compensation insurance for the VFC members as well as insures the building and equipment titled to the township, provides motor fuel for the vehicles and pays all utilities in the firehouses.

Will this ordinance change that?

No, during the budget process, the township has a choice each year to fund the operation of the VFC and has always elected to fund at or near the maximum allowed by the state.

Does this ordinance change the training of the volunteer fire company (VFC)?

No, the ordinance clarifies the roles and responsibilities for who owns and maintains the building and capital equipment used by the VFC. It does not describe or dictate the training of VFC personnel, which are governed by VFC created by-laws.

Does this ordinance require the dissolution of the Cranbury Fire Company and/or the creation of a state-regulated Fire District?

No, it does not.

Does this ordinance invalidate mutual aid agreements (i.e. reciprocal agreements with surrounding towns that allow fire companies to support each other)?

No, it does not provide the VFC chooses to continue as our fire company.

Will capital purchases (vehicles, equipment) be made under the new ordinance? Will it be different?

No, it will not be different. Township-funded capital items will still be required to be requested through the annual budget process. Purchase of those capital items are legally required to go through the state-regulated procurement process.

Will maintenance of the fire houses be the responsibility of the members of the VFC?

Yes, regular upkeep and maintenance will be the responsibility of the members of the VFC. Capital improvements will still be funded through the township annual capital approval process. Neither of these are a change from the current informal understanding.

Does the ordinance require an annual audit?

Yes, it is the township’s fiscal responsibility to require an annual audit from an entity that we provide funding to. In addition, state law requires all municipal funds appropriated to the volunteer fire company be accounted for to the governing body. Tax returns are not equivalent to an audit. An audit verifies that the financial statements are reasonable and focuses on investigating all the aspects of an entity relevant to financial statements. Tax returns take those financial statements and use the parts that are relevant for tax purposes.

How does the ordinance process work?

The township code represents the local laws that govern our town. New sections of the code are introduced via a two-meeting public process. At the first meeting, the proposed ordinance is introduced by title only. Next, the township clerk posts the proposed ordinance at http://www.cranburytownship.org/ordinances for the public to read. Finally, a public hearing is held at the next township meeting for members of the public to comment on the proposed ordinance before a Township Committee vote