Police and Fire Discuss the Public Safety Infrastructure Bond on the November 3rd Ballot

This meeting of Bloomfield Community Television on September 10, 2026, featured the Township Supervisor along with the fire and police chiefs discussing the upcoming public safety infrastructure bond on the November 3rd ballot. The discussion focused on the critical need for new and modernized police and fire facilities due to space constraints, outdated buildings, and evolving operational requirements. The chiefs detailed challenges such as inadequate evidence processing areas, lack of privacy, insufficient locker and shower facilities for female officers, and outdated dispatch centers. The fire chief highlighted the limitations of Station 3, including apparatus bay size and contamination control issues. The proposed $50 million bond, combined with $23 million in reserve funds and state contributions, aims to fund new public safety buildings and relocate the animal shelter. The bond would be repaid over 20 years with an estimated millage rate of 0.438 on an average household taxable value of $295,000. Plans include constructing a new police headquarters on the current employee parking lot and rebuilding or relocating Fire Station 3. Open houses are planned to educate residents on the bond's importance for long-term community safety infrastructure.