By SHANNON CAULFIELD
The Tabernacle Sun
Now that 2013 is here, the township committee has begun planning for the rest of the year.
The cost of taxes may be a concern for residents this year.
According to Mayor Richard Franzen, the township committee has kept the local tax levy flat for the past three years.
“In light of how costs have been rising, and how much we have already cut back over the years, it may be very difficult for the committee to do this for another year,” said Franzen. “When a nearby town kept its local tax flat for a few years, it found out it could not fund trash collection services without asking the residents to approve a major local tax increase.”
Franzen said he didn’t believe the committee would ever want to put Tabernacle residents in a similar situation.
“We must continue to exercise responsible and prudent financial planning,” he said.
Some of the projects that began in 2012 will continue to be worked on until completion in 2013.
The refreshment stand at the Patty Bowker Complex began construction through a county funded grant. The construction will continue until the project is finished and ready for operation during athletic activities at the field.
In 2011 the Tabernacle Athletic Association was granted $250,000 to construct the snack stand located at the Patty Bowker Municipal Complex. The grant was awarded by the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders as part of the Municipal Park Development Assistance Program.
According to Franzen, the township will begin a review of its space needs and complete the long-awaited traffic ordinance.
The ordinance, which was originally introduced in October and has been worked on for awhile according to Franzen, will regulate the rules, traffic issues, parking along streets, handicapped parking, speeding and ticketing.
Additionally, the township committee has established a formal liaison with the state police, and plans to maintain a good relationship with them.
Over the past year, the committee has been dealing with a lawsuit during executive sessions.
The lawsuit, filed against the township by the Medford Farms Fire Company, deals with emergency management services and the fire company.
“I would hope the township committee would be able to resolve the lawsuit filed against us by the Medford Farms Fire Company,” said Franzen.
The issue was originally briefly addressed in August at a committee meeting. Further details regarding the issue have yet to be released.
The case has not yet gone into litigation.
The agenda for the year also includes plans for the now empty Emergency Squad building.
“We will need to resolve exactly how we may be able to repurpose the use of the building,” said Franzen.
Other plans for the year relate to the history of Tabernacle Township and what the committee can contribute to maintaining its roots.
“We have begun a dialogue with the Tabernacle Historical Society,” said Franzen. “We need to take a close look at how we can better support the activities of this organization and help preserve the rich cultural heritage of our township.”
