The Mayor's Column

Working Together: The Benefits of Shared Municipal Services

Fellow Middle Township Residents,

New Jersey is home to 564 municipalities. That number, combined with some of the highest property taxes in the nation, means local leaders must constantly look for ways to deliver essential services efficiently without sacrificing quality or local identity. One of the most practical and proven tools available is shared municipal services.

Under the Uniform Shared Services and Consolidation Act, neighboring communities can agree to share staff, facilities, equipment, or entire functions. The advantages are straightforward: reduced duplication, better control of costs, access to specialized expertise and the ability to avoid expensive capital projects that a single town might struggle to justify. Residents still receive professional service, while municipalities keep the revenues and local control that belong to them.

Middle Township has long believed in this approach. Our shared services agreement with Cape May County for emergency dispatch, for example, has produced substantial annual savings while connecting our residents to a modern, well-staffed 911 center. We have also partnered successfully with North Wildwood for construction official services and maintained other interlocal arrangements that have proven their worth over time. These are not abstract policy ideas; they are real, ongoing partnerships that help us protect the municipal tax rate and focus resources where they matter most.

Our newest partnership illustrates the benefits clearly. Effective October 1, 2026, Middle Township joined Lower Township and the Borough of Wildwood Crest in a shared municipal court agreement that runs through December 31, 2029. Lower Township provides the courtroom facilities and the towns will partner on hiring the municipal judge, prosecutor, public defender and court staff. Middle Township Municipal Court keeps its own name, seal, and cases. Fines and court costs from Middle Township matters continue to stay with Middle Township.

Sessions for Middle Township cases are held at the Lower Township Municipal Court in the Public Safety Building at 401 Breakwater Road in Erma. Court for Middle Township matters is typically scheduled on Thursdays. Residents with questions about a case, a payment, or a court date can call (609) 886-6040 or visit lowertownshipcourt.org and simply identify the matter as a Middle Township case.

This arrangement lets us maintain a full municipal court for our residents while using facilities and professional staff that are already in place. Middle Township cases remain Middle Township cases. Across New Jersey, shared and joint courts have delivered measurable savings while preserving or improving service levels. Statewide, shared services agreements reported to the Department of Community Affairs since 2011 have produced cumulative savings of more than $28 million, and state programs continue to encourage further collaboration. In Cape May County, shared court models are common precisely because they make operational and financial sense for communities of our size.

Shared services are not about giving up local character. They are about smart, responsible government. They free up resources that can be directed toward public safety, infrastructure, recreation and the everyday quality of life that makes Middle Township a place people are proud to call home. They also strengthen relationships with neighboring communities.

My colleagues on Township Committee, Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy, Committeeman Jim Norris, and I remain committed to identifying and pursuing practical partnerships like this one. Whether the subject is courts, public safety support, code enforcement or partnerships with our schools, we will continue to work with our neighbors to deliver efficient, high-quality services for the people of Middle Township.

We are fortunate to live in a community where collaboration is both possible and productive. By working together, we protect what we value most while building a more resilient and affordable future for all of us.

Chris Leusner

Mayor, Middle Township

Mayor's Statement on Injured Officer

A Statement from Mayor Leusner

On October 26th, I was deeply disturbed to learn of the court's decision to release the man charged with striking and critically injuring Middle Township Police Officer Austin Kapurelos.

I am grateful that the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office acted quickly to appeal that decision and that a stay was granted to prevent his release.

I firmly believe this defendant should remain detained, answer to these serious charges in a New Jersey courtroom, and be held fully accountable.

He should then be turned over to ICE for deportation proceedings.

Austin was struck while doing his job protecting our community, and he and his family deserve to see justice done. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Austin, his wife, and his entire family as he continues his recovery.

Mayor Christopher M. Leusner

THE AGENDA

A monthly recap of important actions taken by Township Committee

THE AGENDA

October 5, 2026 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

Bill List A – General Bills – The Committee approved payment of $4,256,336.56 in general bills.
Approval of Minutes – The Committee approved the minutes of the September 21, 2026 Work Session and Regular Meeting.
Ordinance 1746-26 – 100% Disabled Veteran Tax Refund Policy – The Committee adopted an ordinance establishing a policy limiting 100% disabled veteran tax refunds to the date a complete claim is submitted to the Tax Assessor.
Ordinance 1747-26 – Sale of Township-Owned Land – The Committee re-introduced an ordinance authorizing the private auction sale of Block 1031, Lot 2 to contiguous property owners, with a minimum bid of $1,600.
Ordinance 1748-26 – Sale of Township-Owned Land – The Committee re-introduced an ordinance authorizing the private auction sale of Block 1031, Lot 17 to contiguous property owners, with a minimum bid of $1,000.
Ordinance 1749-26 – Sale of Township-Owned Land – The Committee re-introduced an ordinance authorizing the private auction sale of Block 936, Lot 23 to contiguous property owners, with a minimum bid of $4,100.
Ordinance 1750-26 – Sale of Township-Owned Land – The Committee introduced an ordinance authorizing the private auction sale of Block 522, Lot 13 to contiguous property owners, with a minimum bid of $1,900.
Municipal Court Judge Appointment – The Committee acknowledged the discontinuation of the unclassified appointment of Thomas Keywood as Municipal Court Judge.
Intergovernmental Transfer Requests – The Committee acknowledged transfer requests for Anthony Piscopo, Natalya Schultz and Paul Damiano.
New Hire – Recreation – The Committee approved the hiring of Edward George as a Recreation Maintenance Worker Grounds.
Employee Terminations – Public Works – The Committee acknowledged the terminations of Darrel Hodges and Ali’nzo Love.
Special Items of Revenue – The Committee authorized the insertion of grant revenue, including $32,019.69 from the Recycling Tonnage Grant, $67,624.52 from Clean Communities and $400,000 in CDBG funding for an ADA playground at the Martin Luther King Community Center.
Bid Tabulation Committees – The Committee established Tabulation Committees for Police Uniforms and Janitorial Services.
Catering Permits – The Committee approved catering permits for BS Liquor LLC at Big Little 9 Golf Course and Zest Cape May, Inc. for the Harvest Festival.
Property Maintenance Liens – The Committee authorized the creation of property maintenance liens on five properties.
Mobile Food Vendor Licenses – The Committee approved licenses for Aloha Tiki Hut, Cannoli Cartel, El Toque Caribeno, Pirate Pete’s Soda Pop and Frosty Fusion Carts.
Change Order No. 18 – Goshen Complex – The Committee approved Change Order No. 18 for H4 Enterprises related to the Goshen Complex project.
Requests for Proposals – The Committee authorized Requests for Proposals for Burglar & Fire Alarm Services, a Lead-Based Paint Inspector and Off-Duty Police Administrative Services.
Emergency Purchase – Shell Bay Fishing Pier – The Committee authorized an emergency purchase of $47,472.24 from Walters Marine Construction for repairs to the Shell Bay fishing pier ramp.
Cancellation of Taxes – The Committee authorized cancellation of taxes for Township-owned Cedar Avenue properties and for Robert and Shirley Padilla following approval of a 100% disabled veteran exemption.
Social Affairs Permit – The Committee approved a Social Affairs Permit for Wildwood Catholic Academy at the Shore Club.

October 19, 2026 – Work Session

The October 19, 2026 Work Session was cancelled

October 19, 2026 – Regular Meeting of Township Committee

Bill List A – General Bills – The Committee approved payment of $1,370,037.37 in general bills.
Bill List B – Additional Bills – The Committee approved payment of $1,316.25 in additional bills.
Approval of Minutes – The Committee approved the minutes of the October 5, 2026 Regular Meeting.
New Hires – The Committee approved the hiring of Lisa Eggert in the Tax Assessor’s Office, Yulia Mahoney in Zoning/Construction, Timothy Schemel in Public Works and Madison Barber in Recreation.
Employee Termination – Public Works – The Committee acknowledged the termination of Jarrett Grimley.
Employee Resignation – Construction – The Committee acknowledged the resignation of BethLynn Yeakel.
Change in Employment Status – Public Works – The Committee authorized a change in employment status for Jamaine Haines to full-time permanent.
Social Affairs Permit – The Committee approved a Social Affairs Permit for the Jeff Michner Scholarship Fund at Stone Harbor Golf Club.
Mobile Food Vendor License – The Committee approved a mobile food vendor license for Hippie Kitty Coffee.
Performance Bond Reduction – Jasick Group LLC – The Committee approved a reduction of the performance bond for Jasick Group LLC at Block 163.01, Lot 227.
Hidden Lakes – Sound Drive – The Committee authorized the release of performance bonds and acceptance of a maintenance bond for Corolla LLC / Hidden Lakes-Sound Drive and accepted the street into the Township road system.
Memorandum of Understanding – Cape Community Church / Bible Fellowship Church – The Committee authorized a Memorandum of Understanding with Cape Community Church / Bible Fellowship Church.
Tax Sale Certificate Assignment – The Committee authorized assignment of Tax Sale Certificate #14-07578 to Amos P. Gaines Jr.
Trick or Treat Hours – The Committee established Trick or Treat hours for Saturday, October 31, 2026 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Project Change Orders – The Committee approved change orders related to Pacific Avenue Roadway & Sidewalk Improvements, Township Hall Parking Lot ADA Improvements and the Goshen Complex.
Surplus Drone Equipment – The Committee declared decommissioned DJI drone equipment surplus and authorized its sale to the Middle Township Board of Education for $1.00 for educational use.
Harvest Festival Indemnification Agreement – The Committee authorized an amendment to the indemnification agreement with Cape May County for Harvest Festival parking lot use and the closure of Mechanic Street.

Middle Township residents are encouraged to attend Township Committee meetings to share their thoughts, questions and concerns with Township Committee.

Visit the Township website for information on meeting dates and times: https://middletownship.com/

Comings and Goings

Coming – Welcome to the Middle Township Team!

Tax Assessor

Lisa Eggert – Clerk 1, Part-Time Permanent

Zoning/Construction

Yulia Mahoney – Clerk 1, Part-Time Temporary

Public Works

Timothy Schemel – Laborer, Full-Time Temporary

Jamaine Haines – Laborer,
promoted from Part-Time Permanent to Full-Time Permanent

Recreation

Edward George – Maintenance Worker Grounds, Full-Time Permanent

Madison Barber – Assistant Recreation Supervisor, Full-Time Permanent

Middle Township Harvest Fest

What a great day at Middle Township Harvest Fest! Beautiful weather, a fantastic turnout, and a lively downtown filled with craft vendors, delicious food, live entertainment, hayrides, and Halloween festivities made for a wonderful day of community fun!

Thank you to everyone who stopped by, our vendors, performers, and everyone who helped make this year’s event a success!

A special thank you to our sponsors, Cooper University Health Care, Sturdy Savings Bank, Anzelone Electric Company, LLC, and Crest Savings Bank, for their support in making this community event possible!

More Photos Here

Congrats to Middle Township

Soccer 9/10 Champions!

Bottom Row:(L to R) Hunter Hall, Henry Maloney, Brantley Stankiewick, Dean Rosario, Krew Keating-Wear, Treble Brown, Kingston Bucko, Juan Meza and Tigan King.

Top Row: (L to R) Stephen McGee, Eli Matthew’s, Gordon Katinas, Jake Halsey,Nolan Kahnke, Jackson Donaghy, Liam Cajigas and Reed Harris.

Coaches: (L to R) Jay Brown, Mike Wear and Bill Katinas

Goshen Baseball Update

Check out the update on the fields in Goshen. For more photos, click HERE.

Middle News

Middle Township has joined Lower Township and the Borough of Wildwood Crest in a shared municipal court agreement, effective October 1, 2026, through December 31, 2029.

Lower Township will provide courtroom facilities and the services of the municipal judge, prosecutor, public defender and court staff. Middle Township Municipal Court keeps its own name, seal, and cases. Fines and court costs from Middle Township matters stay with Middle Township.

Learn More

New Sign Unveiled at Goshen Complex

Middle Township is proud to unveil the new entrance sign at the Clarence & Georgiana Davies Goshen Complex.

Featuring the official Township seal and decorative stone pillars, the new sign enhances the property's entrance and reflects the Township's continued commitment to improving public facilities and community spaces.

Middle Township Police Department

Throughout October, our officers wore pink name tags in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and purple ribbon pins in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

MTPD is proud to work closely with the Coalition Against Rape and Abuse (CARA) to support victims and connect them with resources when they need them most. Domestic violence can affect anyone, and no one should feel like they have to face it alone.

In October, and every month, we stand with survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and remind our community that help is available and you are never alone.

Middle Township Police Department

25th Annual Ride to Remember

Sergeant Pastore and Patrolman Runyon of the Middle Township Police Department’s Motorcycle Unit were honored to participate in the 25th Annual Ride to Remember, hosted by the Gloucester County Hero Scholarship Fund.

The event was established in memory of Corporal Steve Levy, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on October 21, 1999. For 25 years, this event has brought the law enforcement community together to honor the memory and sacrifice of fallen heroes.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Let’s Show Our Support for Patrolman Austin Kapurelos!

Our community is strongest when we come together. We’re asking everyone to keep Austin and his family in their thoughts and show their support during this time. Austin has a long road to recovery ahead, and now more than ever, he and his family need our support. Let’s rally around them and remind them that they’re not alone during this challenging time. Every donation or even sharing this post makes a difference.

Please remember to write “Austin” in the memo section so your donation reaches the right place.

Every little bit helps. Thank you for your generosity and support!