Recently there was a rumor circulating in Gloucester City about UEZ funds being used to purchase new fire engines for the City Fire Department. I asked Howard Clark, the City\’s UEZ Director, if the rumor was true. His response is below.
\”As you know the UEZ is a state funded entity formed to help economically distressed communities the ability to receive half of its zone member’s collection of sales tax to be utilized for projects that will help develop the community. The State also sets a percentage of collected sales tax that can be utilized for municipal services including fire, police, EMT to reduce the potential tax burden on municipalities.
\”To date, no Gloucester City UEZ funds have been used for any municipal services including fire trucks. Also, any projects that are developed at the local level must be placed on a UEZ Board Meeting agenda, discussed fully, including relevant backup data that the State requires, then voted upon by the Board of Directors.
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