Mayor Tamburro to Introduce Flat Municipal Tax Rate for 2019
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Monroe Township Mayor Gerald W. Tamburro has announced plans to introduce a municipal budget with zero increase in the municipal portion of the proposed 2019 tax bill. The annual municipal budget introduction will take place at the regularly-scheduled Township Council meeting on Monday, April 1.
“Working with our Chief Financial Officer and Business Administrator, we have developed a 2019 fiscal year budget proposal that includes no increase in municipal taxes,” said Mayor Tamburro. “Through careful fiscal planning and management, we are helping to maintain Monroe’s position as the second lowest overall effective tax rate in Middlesex County.”
Mayor Tamburro credited thoughtful negotiations and positive changes to the municipality’s employee healthcare benefits among the contributing factors for the flat budget. “We carefully negotiated a healthcare package that would provide municipal employees with competitive coverage and services while remaining fair towards the taxpayers’ bottom line,” Mayor Tamburro said.
The proposed budget maintains the previous year’s tax rate of $47.6 cents per $100 assessed value. Approval of the Monroe Township 2019 budget is slated for the Township Council meeting on May 6, following comment from the public.
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Monroe is Focused on Preserving Open Space at New Jersey Training School
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Mayor Tamburro has created the Mayor’s Open Space Preservation Task Force for the New Jersey Training School, as it is expected that operations will be shuttered in the coming years.
“When I learned the Training School would eventually be closing, I knew we needed to act quickly to ensure the preservation and protection of the state-owned open space and farmland surrounding the facility,” Mayor Tamburro said. “Secondly, I knew we needed a seat at the table to ensure that, when the state facility closes, any future use benefits Monroe Township and Middlesex County.”
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The task force comprises local residents, municipal, county and state officials. The inaugural meeting in January also included a representative of Gov. Phil Murphy who has committed to work with the task force throughout the year.
The New Jersey Training School land is owned by the state Department of Treasury and operated under the Juvenile Justice Commission. The state estimates that it may decommission the buildings within four to six years.
The land, at Spotswood Englishtown and Spotswood Gravel Hill roads, is primarily comprised of preserved farmland, wooded forests, flood plains and wetlands. The total, state-owned property comprises 663 acres.
“This will be an important year for the task force. Our mission is to maintain the open spaces, preserve the historical components of the site and chart a path forward for determining any future use of the buildings,” Mayor Tamburro said.
He added: “I believe our efforts will be successful because of the support from our residents, the Township Council and our Council President Steve Dalina, our freeholders, who are represented by Freeholder Leslie Koppel and Deputy Director Freeholder Charles Tomaro and, finally and importantly, our legislative delegation led by Senator Linda Greenstein, Assemblyman Dan Benson and Assemblyman Wayne DeAngelo.”
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Monroe Township Commuter Council Established to Improve NYC Commute
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Mayor Tamburro has signed an Executive Order establishing the Monroe Township Commuter Council, a critical step toward improving private bus service to and from Jersey City and New York City.
The Mayor appointed the municipal business administrator as chair, along with Monroe Township resident and commuter Gauresh Patel, who helped spearhead the committee’s formation. Patel will serve as vice chair of the Commuter Council, which also includes State Sen. Linda Greenstein and Assembly members Dan Benson and Wayne DeAngelo. This legislative delegation has played a vital role in working toward improved service with private bus carriers.
“Monroe Township is a desirable location and many of our residents commute to and from New York City and surrounding areas,” Mayor Tamburro said. “We must work together to improve this commute, the communication, the reliability and facilities so our residents can have a better experience.“
The committee will also comprise five Monroe residents who commute regularly. Councilman Charles Dipierro also will serve on the committee. The first meeting was held February 21 at the Monroe Township Library. More meetings are being planned; commuters and other members of the public are welcome to attend.
“Ultimately, it’s a quality-of-life issue for our residents and it’s important that they experience a better commute so they can spend more time with their families,” Mayor Tamburro said. “We are extremely thankful to Senator Greenstein, Assemblyman Benson and Assemblyman DeAngelo, who have all helped launch this effort for better services for our residents and local commuters.”
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Register March 20 to be a Wolverine!
Want to play football or cheerlead this fall? You can sign up on Wednesday, March 20 at the Monroe Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road, for Wolverine Football and Cheerleading, from 7-9 p.m. After that date, registration forms will be available at the front desk of the community center.
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Need a Summer Job? Join the Monroe Summer Camp!
The Monroe Community Center is accepting applications for the summer recreation camp and the MTSEPA Camp.
Applications are due Sunday, March 31 at the recreation office for CITs, counselors and supervisors. Applications are due Tuesday, April 30 at MTSEPA for counselor and supervisor positions. Applications can be obtained and submitted at the front office of the community center, 120 Monmouth Road.
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Join in “Forever Young” Bingo on March 13
Join with fellow Monroe residents on Wednesday, March 13 for a new initiative:
“Forever Young… Seniors and Children, Better Together!”
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The Monroe Township Recreation Department, along with The Gardens at Monroe, will host “Pot of Gold” Candy Bingo, from 10-11 a.m., with fun and prizes for all. The program is geared for toddlers ages 3-5 and residents 55 and older. Learn more by calling 732-723-5000.
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Baseball and Softball Opening Day is April 6!
Play Ball!
Celebrate the beginning of spring sports in Monroe with Opening Day on Saturday, April 6.
A baseball parade begins at 9:30 a.m., with a program at 10 a.m., at James Monroe Memorial Park, 140 Dey Grove Road. The softball Opening Day ceremonies begin at noon at Thomas Allen Softball Complex, 76 Gravel Hill-Spotswood Road.
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Join the Annual Monroe Easter Egg Hunt on April 13!
Celebrate the holiday with your friends in Monroe, as the Township hosts the annual Easter Egg Hunt at noon on Saturday, April 13. There will also be a Top Hat and Bonnet Contest!
Don’t miss this event at the Monroe Community Center, 120 Monmouth Road.
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Learn more about upcoming events:
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© 2019 Township of Monroe, New Jersey
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