Since 2012, the Long Hill Fire District has been fortunate to be able to maintain a zero increase in the Mil Rate for our tax payers. On July 1st, 2017, the Long Hill Fire District had to raise its Mil Rate to 0.825, making this the first increase in over five years. The decision to increase the Mil rate was not taken lightly nor was it done without thorough consideration and evaluation. The need for additional funding is directly tied to two specific capital projects affecting the safety and well-being of our volunteer firefighters and the need to replace aging infrastructure. Specifically, this increase provides the fire district $540,000 in additional income, allowing for $450,000 of debt service dedicated to the replacement of the Long Hill Station #2 Firehouse and $90,000 for the first in a phased set of upgrades to our Radio & Communication Infrastructure.
- The Station #2 Firehouse Construction Project replaces an outdated 1938 firehouse that is structurally inadequate to house the size and weight of many modern fire apparatus. The new firehouse is being constructed to meet both the current and future needs of the Fire District and its taxpayers including space for training, a meeting room and enough beds for all volunteers that stay overnight during storms (at our current firehouse, they are sleeping on the floor and in chairs).
- Communication on the fire ground is absolutely paramount to the safety of our firefighters. Our current radio system is based on technology established in the 1950’s and is no longer supported by many of the leading radio manufacturers. The Radio Upgrade Project is a key safety initiative, required to ensure we maintain sufficient capabilities enabling our firefighters to safely and effectively communicate with each other and the fire dispatch center while operating throughout the Town of Trumbull.
These two important projects are necessary to ensure the Long Hill Fire District maintains the appropriate resources to provide safe and effective fire protection to the families of the Long Hill Fire District. As always, please feel free to contact us if you have further questions.