As a February 21 referendum approaches, Jackson Township Fire District #3 is working to inform residents about its coverage area and the proposed 2026 fire budget.

Jackson Township is served by three fire districts, which can cause confusion for residents about where they vote. Fire District #3 funds Fire Station #55 and covers areas including Brookwoods, Winding Ways, Westlake Golf & Country Club, and Saint Aloysius.

“If Fire Station #55 is your fire company, Fire District #3 is where you vote on Feb. 21,” said Commissioner Frank C. Hruschka.

Officials say emergency calls have increased sharply in recent years. Fire Station #55 handled 1,513 calls in 2025, a 33% rise over two years, largely due to population growth. The department operates with both paid and volunteer firefighters.

Leaders say the proposed budget is designed to maintain round-the-clock coverage while keeping costs low. Only about 7% of the township’s tax budget currently goes to the fire district.

What the 2026 Budget Includes

The proposed budget would fund:

• Salaries and benefits for three career firefighters and a part-time fire inspector
• An evaluation for safer sleeping areas for firefighters
• New training and updated protective gear
• Maintenance of fire trucks and support vehicles
• Support for the planned consolidation of Fire Districts 2 and 3

Cost to Homeowners

The ballot question asks voters to approve $6.5 million in spending, with about $6.1 million raised through taxes. If approved, officials say the average homeowner would pay about $3.50 more per month.

“This is about the cost of a cup of coffee to keep our firefighters ready,” Hruschka said.

Voting Information

Residents can vote by mail or in person.

Vote by mail: Ballots must be postmarked by Feb. 21. Applications are available online (scroll to “vote by mail” for the ballot application)

In person: Voting will take place on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 2 to 10 p.m. at Fire Station #55, 113 N. New Prospect Road.

The extended evening hours were approved to allow residents who observe Shabbos to vote after Havdalah.

Officials say more information about the proposed budget is available on the district’s website.

“This vote affects how fire protection will be delivered in our community,” Hruschka said. “We want residents to have clear information before they decide.”

Residents are encouraged to visit www.jacksonfiredist3.org/budgetupdate/ for additional information about the proposed 2026 budget.