Mayor Praises School District Decision

VILLAS – Lower Township Council again competed with a significant snowfall to hold its council meeting March 17, but according to Mayor Michael Beck, the sun is shining on the children based on a decision by interim Executive Superintendent Robert Bumpus.
Beck’s good spirits were a result of the decision by the interim superintendent that Cape May should not leave the Lower Cape Regional District. “I anticipated and expected the decision,” Beck said. “But the language used was very strong and to the point.” He particularly noted that the superintendent characterized the position of Cape May to withdraw as “without merit.” Beck added that if Cape May were permitted to leave, it would “be a disaster for the school system.”
The mayor later urged Cape May City Council to “do what is right for the kids” by dropping their proposal. He also indicated that “to spend more money is wrong” considering the high costs of legal fees that both municipalities would have to expend in a court fight.
Although there were some sharp words among council members concerning the process of governing and a perception that members were being excluded from some private meetings, all agreed that internal communication among council members could be improved.
Councilman Thomas Conrad mentioned that some residents were receiving tax lien sale notices from the township based on a failure to pay utility bills. Some of those liens were placed because residents were only a few weeks behind in utility billing.
The township has been sending these notices based on information from the MUA because the MUA does not have the authority to place liens on any property on its own authority. Residents have been complaining that they have been receiving notices of liens prematurely but the township is required to follow the lien process as it stands.
Township Administrator Michael Voll explained that although the township appoints the five commissioners that regulate the MUA, the MUA is a completely separate authority and the township cannot dictate procedures or change this process unilaterally. Commissioners are not bound to the township and are independent of any oversight except in cases of removal for cause.
Voll further explained that even though the MUA contracts the billing process out to an external company, the Lower Township tax office currently operates the Edmunds computer system that is capable of doing this work at a savings to the taxpayers. So far, the MUA has not taken advantage of the township’s offer to take over the billing process according to Voll.
It is possible that some residents are being notified of tax liens when they are only a week or two behind in their utility bills.
They intend to look into a relatively new billing system at the MUA to be sure that all laws and procedures are being properly enforced.
Councilman James Neville announced that the long-anticipated repair work to Clubhouse Road in Town Bank following installation of water mains last year is scheduled to begin Sept. 2 of this year. He anticipates progress on the Bay Drive and Rosanne Avenue situations in coming months as well.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.