March Proclamation & Recognition

At our monthly meeting last week, the Township Committee recognized March as Women’s History Month through a proclamation authored by Deputy Mayor Cathy Wilson. With this proclamation, the Township Committee supports this year’s March 2022 celebration of Women’s History Month and encourages our residents of all ages to observe this occasion through activities based in thoughtful, open-minded inquiry and reflection, and sincere efforts to create a world that is more just, peaceful, and equitable for all. You can read the full proclamation here.

As part of our efforts to recognize neighbors who are making a difference in the community, the Township Committee recognized a group of student volunteers who helped make this winter’s snow storms a little more tolerable for our seniors living at Morris Mews on Ketch Rd. During several snow storms this winter, these volunteers ventured to Morris Mews to help our seniors shovel out their cars so they didn’t have to brave the elements on their own. Students who volunteered included: Nicholas Heusel, Eric Ottaiano, Devon Chowdhury, Will LaFave, Lindsey O'Brien, and Jordan Soliman. We are incredibly appreciative of all their work, which you can learn about by watching the recording here. 

Supporting Ukraine

As part of our package of resolutions this month, the Township Committee unanimously passed a resolution authored by Committeeman Bud Ravitz condemning the unprovoked and egregious invasion of Ukraine and expressing support for solidarity with the Ukrainian people. Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine during this difficult and troubling time. Shown above, our municipal building is now illuminated in blue and yellow to show support for the thousands of Ukrainian Americans living in Morris County. A huge thank you to our Police Department for their outstanding efforts collecting much needed medical supplies to send to those in dire need in Ukraine.

Preserving the Drew Forest

The Township Committee unanimously passed a resolution advocating for the preservation of the Drew Forest, which lies a short walk from Loantaka Park in Madison. This mature forest is an ecologically significant area not just for Madison, but for surrounding communities and provides an expanded refuge for wildlife and residents alike. Preservation of natural habitats is critical for supporting our local ecosystem, a cause that resonates not only with our governing body, but with the residents across our town. We fully support the efforts of Madison to preserve this forest and urge not only the county and state to support these efforts, but implore Drew University to give conservation a chance.

2022 Budget

Each year, the Township Committee introduces the annual budget ahead of our public presentation and hearing in April. I want to thank Committeeman Peter Mancuso, Chair of the Finance Standing Committee, Administrator Tim Quinn and Chief Financial Officer Francine DeAngelis for all of their hard work in preparing this year’s budget.

The Township’s prudent management of our finances have, without a doubt, lessened the burden our municipality has faced in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have weathered this financial storm of decreased revenues and increased expenses, we are not completely out of the woods yet.

We have yet to see the return of pre-pandemic levels from key revenue sources, such as hotel taxes, parking fees, and other ratables that allow us to keep our residential property taxes in-check. Additionally, the burden of higher costs for goods and services, greater liabilities for employee health and retirement benefits, and high inflation have created a challenging economic environment for the Township. To continue the services our residents have come to rely on while investing in long-term capital projects, our municipal budget is increasing by 2 percent from our 2021 levels. The average homeowner in Morris Township, with a property assessed at $600,000, will pay an additional $4.33 a month as a result. I encourage you to review our budget documents ahead of our public hearing and presentation on April 20, here.

Even with the difficulties faced in this year’s budget, we will still be making critical investments in our town’s infrastructure. Specifically, we’ll be allocating over $7 million for capital investments, which includes: nearly $2 million for road improvements, over $1 million for our first responders and $600,000 for the redevelopment of our recreational facilities in Collinsville. Fortunately, the federal funds we are receiving from the American Rescue Plan will allow us to catch back up on projects delayed by the pandemic without the burden of borrowing money by going to out bond. You can also learn more about how we will be putting these federal funds to work by viewing the recording of our recent virtual town hall, hosted by Representative Mikie Sherrill here. 

Advocating for Property Tax Relief

Recently, there has been renewed vigor in Trenton discussing property tax relief, a worthwhile cause that will help municipalities across the state become more affordable for families and retirees alike. One way state lawmakers could reduce the property tax burden would be by restoring energy tax receipts for municipalities like ours.

Energy tax receipts are taxes for public utilities, like Verizon or JCP&L, for the use of public rights of way for utility poles and equipment in lieu of property taxes. Originally, these taxes were assessed and collected by municipalities. However, the law changed to have the state collect the revenue for the convenience of the public utilities. The intention at that time was for the state to transmit the funds back to the municipalities, but, in 2008, funds began being diverted to the state’s general fund instead of being redistributed to municipalities.

Since then, over $18 million have been diverted to the state’s general fund rather than being transferred to Morris Township. This deficit of $18 million could have been used to invest infrastructure, expand services, and reduce liabilities. At our March meeting, we urged lawmakers in Trenton to support Senate Bill 330, which would restore energy tax receipts to municipalities, as a direct way to ease residents’ property tax burden.

Updated COVID-19 Protocols

As I mentioned last month, we will be scaling back our COVID-19 precautions in the municipal building in the coming weeks. Starting April 4, we’ll be welcoming residents in the main foyer of the building, which will provide more space for a reception area to drop off bills, wait for appointments, or visit specific departments. We’ll also be reopening the senior room during the daytime. With this change in guidelines, on the forefront of the Township Committee’s mind is the goal of restoring in-person public meetings.

Hybrid meetings are no longer an option for public meetings, but a requirement. Returning to our committee room without adequate technology installed risks our meetings being disrupted, having to be re-noticed, or being poorly run. Having those types of disruptions aren’t good for anybody. Our IT department has been making plans to upgrade our systems in the Committee Room and in our conference room with anticipated upgrades being made in the coming weeks.

Thank you for reading my monthly newsletter. Please be sure to follow Morris Township by signing up for our Municipal Messenger as well as by liking our Facebook page and following us on Instagram.

Best,

Mark