Monroe News - March 4, 2022

A Message from Mayor Stephen Dalina

March begins the 2022 budget process in Trenton and we are of course working on our budget for 2022 here in Monroe Township. On March 8th, Governor Murphy will deliver his FY 2022 Budget Address to the State. It’s an important date and I have already taken the opportunity last month to write to Governor Murphy directly on behalf of Monroe residents to ensure the proposed budget includes additional property relief.

I have been fighting for years for more school aid, expanded homestead rebates, higher senior freeze incomes, larger state retirement income exemptions, veterans tax credits and much more. We have had some positive success in these areas over the past several years, but the fight to hold the line on municipal taxes moves forward in 2022. My letter reminded the Governor and legislature that we need our fair share of state funding for property tax relief this year. I will do everything possible this year to work with the Township Council to hold the line on taxes.

I reminded the governor that Monroe has many older residents on fixed incomes, as well as many families who are still struggling through this multi-phase pandemic. It is incumbent on our decision makers in Trenton to recognize the financial limitations that residents face and to provide an adequate amount of aid to continue our stable tax rate.

I will continue my advocacy efforts to help ensure Monroe is fairly considered. I will be keeping you updated as we develop the municipal budget for the upcoming year.

Mayor Stephen Dalina

In a Show of Fiscal Strength, Monroe Retires $13 Million

in Debt

Monroe Township has been able to retire $13 million in municipal debt in the past five years.

In 2017, the township had $67 million in net debt. This year, that number has dropped to $54 million. One reason for the debt reduction was a municipal refinance program in 2021, saving $2.3 million.

Another reason is a stellar municipal bond rating, AA+, which ensures that Monroe can borrow money at the lowest interest rates available. A third reason: Careful spending.

“We have intentionally kept our debt capacity very low,” said Monroe Mayor Stephen Dalina. “We are also methodical and strategic in our planning. We have established a long-term capital program that is conservative. When we retire debt, we move to the next important new project.”

In 2017, Monroe was only using 23% of its debt capacity, considerably lower than most other government entities. By 2022, the Township was only using 16% of its debt capacity and even lower debt percentage.

“There is certainly room for us to take on a few smaller projects,” Dalina said. “We are committed to identifying the right investments for our community’s future.”

The benefits of low municipal debt have been evident. For years, Monroe has had the second lowest overall effective tax rate in Middlesex County, despite introducing a number of new programs and services to residents. For example, the Township has a state-of-the-art library, as well as a senior center that is unparalleled in the region. Parks and fields are pristine, and all the emergency response units have the latest equipment and training.

Mayor Stephen Dalina along with Ukrainian/American Monroe residents Deacon Valentine Olynyk and his wife Olga, place a ribbon in solidarity with Ukraine at the Municipal Building. Monroe joins with Ukrainian people in a prayer for peace.

Monroe Township Awarded $216K Recycling Tonnage Grant from DEP Funds to Enhance Local Litter Removal and Recycling Efforts

Monroe Township is the recipient of a $216,331 tonnage grant award from the State of New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) intended to further enhance local litter-removal and recycling efforts, the grant is based on the municipality’s excellent performance in 2019 recycling efforts.

“We are pleased to see our efforts recognized with a grant award that has nearly doubled since last year,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina. “Each year we try to take our recycling efforts to the next level while also keeping our township litter-free. This award is vital to that process.”

The next community clean-up event is scheduled for Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 – 10:30 am. To register, contact Clean Communities Coordinator, Joe Slomain at 732-656-4575. The Township also provides resources to assist residents and businesses in proper recycling habits. Click here for a full list of acceptable items and disposal guidelines.

Recycling tonnage grants are awarded through the State’s Recycling Enhancement Act and are funded through a $3 per-ton surcharge on trash disposed at solid waste facilities statewide. The NJDEP then allocates funds back to municipalities based on how much recycling each community reports accomplishing during a particular calendar year.

“Our community clean-up campaigns by both DPW teams and community volunteers during the early spring have gone a long way toward maintaining the beauty of Monroe,” Mayor Dalina added. “The Department of Public Works also does great work maintaining an efficient process for recycling materials both at the yard and through curb-side pick-up.”

Each year, Monroe Township is required by law to file an annual report documenting recycling tonnage with the NJDEP. To file this report, the Township Recycling Coordinator collects information on the weight in tons of recycled materials from all commercial and institutional establishments in the Township.

The year-long documentation process begins in mid-January with outreach efforts to local establishments, followed by reporting to the NJDEP in late-April and grant award notifications released the following January for two years prior.

For a complete list of recycling tonnage grants by municipality, click here.

To learn more about recycling in New Jersey, click here.

ROADSIDE CLEANUP: The Monroe Township Department of Public Works team has been clearing local roadways of trash/debris and will continue.

Locations included Spotswood-Englishtown Road (between Matchaponix Avenue and N. State Home Rd) and Old Bridge-Englishtown Road (between the Mounts Mills turn around.)

Please do your part by disposing of litter in proper receptacles.

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