Residents of Toms River Fire District 1 are heading to the polls now to vote on key positions and the district’s proposed 2025 budget.
The election is taking place from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., with multiple polling locations designated based on voters’ election districts.
Voters will select two candidates to serve on the board of fire commissioners for three-year terms. Four candidates are in the race: Anthony Cirz, James Golden, Michael Hopson, and Richard Tutela.
Golden, the current board chairman, is running alongside Cirz. Both have decades of firefighting experience and previously served as fire chiefs. Tutela, the board’s current vice chairman, is running with Hopson. Tutela has a background in fire service leadership, while Hopson comes from a firefighting family.
One of the main points of contention between the candidates is whether Toms River should introduce paid firefighters, a move seen in other municipalities due to declining volunteer numbers. Neighboring Manchester Township, for example, employs paid firefighters during weekday daytime hours.
Additionally, some candidates have criticized their opponents for holding public-sector jobs. Cirz works as a building code official in multiple towns, while Golden has a background with the Toms River Roads Department. Tutela is employed by the New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the Toms River MUA, while Hopson works for the Ocean County Utilities Authority.
Budget Vote and Ballot Questions
Voters will also weigh in on the proposed 2025 fire district budget, totaling $8,973,990.03, with approximately $6.69 million to be funded by property taxes. The fire district tax rate stands at 5.1 cents per $100 of assessed home value.
In addition to the budget, residents will decide on four separate spending proposals for equipment purchases previously included in past budgets.
Where to Vote
Polling locations have been assigned based on election districts from the November general election. Voters can check their designated location before heading to the polls.
With decisions on fire safety funding and leadership on the line, the election will play a crucial role in shaping the future of fire services in Toms River.
