COURT HOUSE – Middle Township Committee is taking another step to ensure prudent spending amid the financial impact of the COVID-19 crisis.
According to a release, the township will implement a temporary freeze on hiring and salary increases through the remainder of 2020.
The steps, taken as the township faces declining revenues, will be made following current union contractual obligations. Hiring for essential public safety positions will be exempt from the temporary freeze.
“We appreciate the heroic efforts of all of our great employees during these difficult times,” Mayor Timothy Donohue said, “but with thousands of businesses shuttered, and nearly a million of our fellow New Jerseyans unemployed, we no doubt face a daunting financial future. We must take incremental steps to ensure an affordable continuity of municipal services.”
The township has taken several other actions over the past two months to mitigate the effects of the state’s emergency restrictions and shutdowns related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
On April 20, Township Committee passed a budget with no tax increase, holding the municipal levy steady for the third consecutive year. The township also approved extended grace periods for both sewer utility payments and May 1 property tax bills. The governing body has also been proactive by exploring the possibility of short-term borrowing to meet financial responsibilities and maintain services.
“We appreciate the forethought and fiscal prudence of our CFO Susan Quinones and our auditors, Ford Scott,” Deputy Mayor Ike Gandy said. “They have provided constant updates and sound guidance as we move through truly unchartered waters.”
The township has also put in motion a plan to prepare estimated tax bills for payments due Aug. 1. The state has indicated that its final budget will not be in place at that time, making it impossible to finalize local tax levies.
“All these steps are meant to protect our taxpayers as best we can in these uncertain times,“ Committeeman Jim Norris said. “As we move forward together, our residents should rest assured that we are monitoring our financial affairs closely, in our ongoing efforts to always provide great services at the lowest possible cost.”
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