Monroe Expands Shared Services Agreement to Cut Costs

Monroe Township has a strong history of entering into shared services contracts with neighboring municipalities and Middlesex County to reduce costs and eliminate costly redundancy. “We are proud to have a very strong relationship with the surrounding towns and the county, all of which are our active partners in actively finding ways to reduce the residential tax burden,” said Monroe Mayor Stephen Dalina. Monroe has inked two new agreements. The first is with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority, involving the recycling of yard waste. The second arrangement is with the Township of Manalapan to share public works equipment. “Every one of these new agreements builds upon previous good work, as we continually reduce expenses to Monroe taxpayers through shared services,” the mayor said. “We will continue to aggressively pursue ways in which to share resources.”

Mayor Dalina Lauds State for Increasing Tax Relief Program for 7,000 Monroe Residents

Mayor Dalina, a vocal advocate for the expansion of the state’s Homestead Rebate, is expressing appreciation to the state for increasing funding for this key tax relief program.   Thousands of New Jersey homeowners are now receiving applications from the state Department of Treasury via the mail and electronically for the latest round of Homestead property tax relief benefits.

Almost 7,000 Monroe residents will benefit from this expanded program, with an additional $130 credit. Collectively, that is an additional $900,000 in direct property tax relief for Monroe residents.  The mayor was critical of state policy that historically trimmed the Homestead program as a way to balance the state budget. The latest round of benefits, scheduled to be paid in May 2022, are intended to offset property tax bills from 2018. “Monroe is committed to fighting for as much state and federal aid as possible to reduce the tax burden for our residents,” Mayor Dalina said. “This is a great victory that builds on our previous successes to expand the senior freeze program and longstanding effort to create and expand the retirement income exclusion program.”

Can You Feel Autumn in the Air?

Okay, maybe not just yet. But you still want to mark your calendar for Sunday, Oct. 24 from noon to 4 p.m., as Monroe celebrates the 27th-Annual Octoberfest, taking place at the community center at 120 Monmouth Rd. Wear your favorite plaid shirt and bring your pumpkin spice latte as you enjoy food, crafts, music, games, rides and even a little magic. It is fun for the whole family and, as always, admission is free.

Recovery Efforts Continue in Monroe Township Following Tropical Storm Henri

Monroe Township continues to assist residents recovering from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Henri that deluged nine inches of rain over several hours on Sunday, August 22.   Tropical Storm Henri’s impact was primarily limited to Monroe Township, Helmetta, Jamesburg, Cranbury, Spotswood and East Brunswick. Despite efforts by every town, FEMA has indicated that damage from Tropical Storm Henri did not meet the monetary threshold necessary to qualify for federal (FEMA) disaster relief funding. “I, along with my fellow Mayors, expressed our extreme disappointment and frustration to FEMA and our federal representatives that our residents have not qualified,” said Monroe Mayor Stephen Dalina. “While Tropical Storm Henri was not as widespread as Tropical Storm Ida, our residents were no less impacted and deserved federal support.”  “Monroe, as a community, will continue to do everything we can to assist our residents impacted by Henri – several of whom have endured very significant property damage and are struggling,” Dalina added. Monroe Township has taken the actions listed below to assist impacted Monroe residents:    Mayor Dalina and Township Council authorized at last night’s regular township council meeting, the one-time use of federal funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to ensure health and safety of Henri flooding victims in the upcoming winter months. The newly established Winter Emergency Recovery Program will reimburse qualifying residential property owners impacted by Tropical Storm Henri flooding up to $5,000 per household to repair or remediate critical life safety property damage.   This program will help create a safety net to assist residents with heat, mold remediation, drywall replacement and electrical work. To apply, homeowners may download and complete the application available at https://monroetwp.com/images/pdfs/2021-09-28_winter_safety_application.pdf. Applicants should call Pamela Broskie at 732-521-4400, ext. 177. Completed applications with supporting documentation must be received by December 31, 2021.   Monroe Township has approved 17 applications from flood victims for immediate repairs under the income-based Monroe Township Affordable Housing Rehabilitation Program. Please call 732-521-4400, ext. 166 for more information.   Township staff, led by the building and code department, have worked along with JCP&L to restore power and air conditioning to the more 130 affected residents. As of today, 8 homes still need additional work before power can be restored.      The Department of Public Works has removed almost 425 tons of debris placed on the curb by flooded residents and the work continues.   Monroe Township Office of Emergency Management established a command center within the Rossmoor community and hosted a resource and assistance fair on Friday, August 27 from 9am – 1pm at the Rossmoor clubhouse.      The Monroe Township Food pantry has distributed 164 bags of food and sundries to flood impacted residents. Call 609-448-7140 for more information. The Monroe Township Library established a Community Donation Relief Fund that has collected and distributed more than $25,000 in gift cards to residents throughout the township where people were impacted by the storm.   Residents who still require assistance may email the Office of Emergency Management at oem@monroetwppolice.org or leave a message at 732-521-0222, ext. 299 so OEM staff can contact them with the latest recovery information and resources. While the Township assists in the recovery, Mayor Dalina has recommended that Township professionals begin to look at long-term mitigations in response to the steady increase in storm frequency and intensity. “While any community may struggle with a nine-inch deluge of rain, we must review and identify any potential long-term improvements and mitigations for our Township,” Mayor Dalina said. He has asked the Township Engineer and other related professionals to review the entire stormwater management system in coordination with Middlesex County regional basins and the State of New Jersey.   “We will not forget our residents in need, and we steadfastly continue our recovery efforts from the devastating effects of Tropical Storm Henri,” said Dalina. “Our OEM team will continue to keep the public informed of updates as they become available.”

While you’re at Octoberfest, be sure to visit Avery and her friends from the Monroe Township Police Department as they support The Hero Package Foundation. Come out for a Meet & Greet with the MTPD, raffles and more!

Monroe Police Encourage Kids to Always Wear a Helmet

Monroe Police Officer Wesley Panckeri hands out "tickets" to children for wearing their safety helmets while bicycling. The tickets are redeemable for free pizza, and serve as another important lesson about bicycle safety.

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