Additionally, council approved a bond for new Cecil building, Williamstown Fire Department improvements, and park improvements
By Krista Cerminaro
The 2018 municipal budget was adopted by Monroe Township Council after a public hearing on Monday, April 23. Council has no municipal tax increase.
Total budget appropriations amount to roughly $38.3 million, including $23.2 million for salary and benefits, $2.9 million for debt service and $1.1 million for public safety.
In other news, councilmembers commended the Williamstown Sunrise Rotary for raising more than $150,000 to open a handicapped-accessible playground at Mary Mazza Duffy Memorial Park, which opened on Sunday, April 22.
“As all the dignitaries were trying to talk, you couldn’t help but hear all the kids in the background, and everybody was just having a great time. Can’t thank those people enough, the [Rotary] did an absolutely fabulous job,” councilman Bob Heffner said. “It’s just nice seeing the organization do so much for our town, and they deserve all the praise for that.”
“All of that work is done, the majority, by volunteers,” Councilman Bart McIlvaine added. “Every day I leave work, I ride by there, and even on the cold days there’s at least a mother or father and child out there playing. That is one of the nicest things we have in Monroe Township.”
Council also recognized Mirarchi’s Williamstown Inn for its 50th anniversary, six district teachers who have been honored as Teacher of the Year and Dante Corso for earning an Eagle Scout ranking.
Additionally, council appropriated a maximum of $50,000 for services related to township park improvements, as well as approved a bond to acquire various equipment and complete capital improvements. The amount of bonds or bond anticipation notes is estimated to be $6.6 million. Costs include roughly $2 million for Williamstown Fire Department facility improvements and repairs, $2.3 million for the construction of a new Cecil Fire Department building and $1 million for roadway improvements.
Council will also award a contract for professional services to the municipal engineer for survey and design services associated with the 2018 capital road program. Survey and design services by Adams, Rehmann and Heggan Associates, are set to cost no more than $59,500.
Adams, Rehmann and Heggan Associates will also complete a Stage I Cultural Resource Survey associated with the expansion of Owens Park, at no more than $17,650.
To see the full meeting agenda or view budget documents, visit www.monroetownshipnj.org.
Councilman Bob Heffner noted the rescue center in Cecil will have greyhound dogs for those interested in adopting. Heffner, along with other councilmen, also commended the Barrels for Badges wine fundraiser at Owens Park, which raised funds for an upcoming Police Unity Tour. Councilman Marvin Dilks announced the seniors commission will host a trip to the Phillies game against the Cardinals on June 20 at 1:05 p.m. at Citizens Bank Park. Tickets cost $57, and a bus will leave from Holiday City in Williamstown at 11 a.m.
Councilman Ron Garbowski noted the historical society is working to implement field trips for students in the school district to learn more about local history. Garbowski also noted that on May 31, a library fundraiser will be held at Monalisia restaurant in Williamstown from noon to 10 p.m. When diners show a coupon, which can be found on the Monroe Township Library website, 10 percent of the bill will be donated to the Monroe Township Public Library.
Councilman Cody Miller announced the municipal alliance commission is working on tentative dates for National Night Out against crime, in addition to a senior luncheon for prescription drug drop offs.
Mayor Dan Teefy attended a Substance Abuse Conference at St. Matthews Church on April 21, which he said was well-attended by many different townships, including both the Winslow and Gloucester township mayors.
Additional upcoming dates Teefy noted include the town’s Memorial Day parade on May 28 at 11 a.m., and the music festival on June 2 from 5 to 10 p.m.
