Simonsen Pitches: Fund 4 Cops from MUA

VILLAS – During the usually routine “Council Comments” section of the Lower Township Council meeting March 16, Councilman Erik Simonsen (R-D3) ruminated on ways that the proposed budget tax increase could be reduced; shared services had been discussed as one possible solution minutes before.
Simonsen then turned to Administrator James Ridgway and asked, “How much would it cost if the MUA paid for the four new police officers?” Clearly prepared for the question, Ridgway answered $205,000. Simonsen then stated that since the MUA was now “stabilized,” the MUA could “help us get the tax rate down” by drawing from the MUA surplus to fund those officers.
He added that this could reduce the tax increase to the level below 2-percent increase cap that is required by law, if they are willing.
Soon after, LTMUA Chairman Brian O’Conner addressed council, and stated, “If you want to ask us (LTMUA) for anything, put it in a resolution and send it to us.”
After some comments from residents about using MUA “ratepayers’” money to lower township “tax payers’” rates, Mayor Michael Beck interrupted to ask Simonsen if he would put forth a resolution to that effect next week. Simonsen replied “yes, we will.” Beck stated that he opposed the idea, but went no further, saying the matter will be debated at the next meeting.
After the meeting, Simonsen explained that the township was permitted by state law to request up to 5 percent of the MUA surplus to supplement the municipal budget. He added that the $205,000 for officers would fall well below the 5-percent cap on the use of the MUA surplus.
The Herald asked if there had been any discussions or agreements between himself and the MUA prior to the evening’s events; Simonsen responded that there was no agreement, but that an offer had been made at the last bond counsel meeting by the MUA.
When asked, Simonsen said the $205,000 would cover all of the officers’ expenses including salary, training and benefits.
Agreement with Crest Firefighters
Simonsen also announced that he, Ridgway and the Borough of Wildwood Crest reached an agreement that they hope will improve public safety as well as provide some fire insurance relief to Diamond Beach residents.
The agreement that involves the Fire District 3, designates the Wildwood Crest Fire Department as “first responders” to alarms that originate at Diamond Beach. The Wildwood Crest Fire Department will respond immediately to all calls, until Lower Township fire equipment and personnel arrive to take over responsibility.
Prior to the agreement, that portion of the township suffered longer response times for fire services because of the single-access route to that area that is complicated by weight limits on Ocean Drive bridges that Lower fire apparatus would normally use to gain access.
Beck and Deputy Mayor Norris Clark commended Simonsen and Ridgway, and Fire District 3 for their work. The total cost of the agreement is $75,000 although the fire district will absorb $65,000 of that amount, leaving township residents with a $10,000 cost for the shared service agreement.
Bay Communities to Meet with FEMA
Clark announced that the ongoing issue of FEMA maps and the lack of funding to the Delaware Bay beaches for storm protection continues to be a high priority. He stated that the township has reached out to Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-1st) for assistance.
The township position is that all bay communities must unite to confront FEMA and other agencies which reneged on early promises of Sandy-related aid, while creating “V-zones” that some believe are unrealistic and place a disproportionate financial burden on individuals and municipalities that cannot obtain government aid under current rules.
Van Drew has responded by scheduling a special meeting for all communities, including Middle Township and parts of Cumberland County, to be held March 19 at the Dennis Township Municipal Building, 571 Petersburg Road, Dennisville at 3 p.m.
U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-2nd) is expected to attend to ensure that all issues are presented to FEMA, DEP and other agencies.
Lou Ginsberg of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 3546 appeared to request that residents come out to the 3rd annual “Rock for Kids Festival” to be held June 13 at the Cape May County airport on Breakwater Road at 12 p.m.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.