Middle Taxpayers Elect Cresse President

COURT HOUSE — The Middle Township Taxpayers Association, on April 13, elected a new president Barbara Cresse.
The following is a newsletter from the organization:
Cresse is a descendent of the founding families of Cape May County and a lifelong resident. She volunteers at the County Museum, is an Emergency Medical Corps RN volunteer and the director and a founder of the South Jersey Triathlon Club. After serving almost five years as president, Eileen Fausey has resigned, stating that it is her belief in term limits which brings new ideas and energy which Ms. Cresse will contribute to the organization. Reelected were Bette McGurk, Vice President, Vilma Pombo, Secretary and Tracey Scull, Treasurer.
At the meeting, Chief Chris Leusner gave a presentation on how much the average homeowner pays in property taxes for the police department based on 2010 figures. He outlined expenses and revenues of the department as well as services provided and had determined that on the average assessment of $300,000, it cost homeowners $1.27 a day, $38.80 a month or $465 for the year. Chief Leusner also answers questions from residents and has stated that he is always available at the police department for questions or suggestions.
A report on water issues and the new environs committee, which meets monthly at 6:30 pm on the 3rd Wednesday at the municipal building conference room was given by Vilma Pombo. The 2011 Middle Township budget will be adopted on April 18 at the regular township meeting. A copy of the proposed budget was available and copies are also available at the Treasurer’s Office.
A lengthy discussion was held on the $150,000 settlement reached by the Township and Albrecht and Heun for Host Community Benefits that had not been paid for over a decade. There was general disagreement at the small size of this settlement since they had not been paid for over a decade.
Among other business discussed were the upcoming School Board Election on April 27 and the decision of Nate Doughty not to reseek reelection to his position on the Township Committee. The only candidate to file a petition for the open seat was Tim Donahue, Republican, who was present at the meeting. It was stated that there was a possibility that an independent Republican may also file and a write-in candidate for the democrats may be elected at the June primary election.
During the summer, an evaluation, questionnaire will be composed to distribute to elected officials in Middle and candidates for the position which will be posted in local newspapers. Persons who have questions they would like to have included in the questionnaire are encouraged to contact the MTA.
Residents were reminded that shredding day will be held on April 30 at the Public Works Building at the end of Mechanic Street from 9:30 till noon.
For more information on the meeting or to join the MTA, you may call 465-9061 or email middletaxpayers@hotmail.com.