COURT HOUSE — In general, taxpayer associations and municipal governing bodies don’t get along.
Taxpayer groups have been known to call for the heads of local officials that don’t hold the line on spending, while town councils have accused taxpayers of fiscal ignorance.
In Middle Township, it seems, the two warring factions have reached an accord.
In the Jan. 15 issue of the Middle Taxpayers Association (MTA) newsletter (it’s first), the group cited recent practices enacted by Township Committee that have gone a long way to bridging the gap between the two.
“For years taxpayers have tried to hold the line on taxes and to get the most possible out of our tax dollar,” the newsletter stated. “However there was little understanding how to tackle some of our fiscal problems until Committee surprised residents with a work session each month and copies of expenditures.”
Begun last year, work sessions have provided taxpayers and other with an opportunity to meet department heads and understand their “special operations and needs,” which differed from the regular meetings where they deal with “finished work in the form of a resolution or ordinance.”
“The Department Heads were an impressive group of people who have been working hard for Middle Township to be all it can be,” the newsletter said. “They inspired our confidence in our future as a community.”
Committeeman Steve Barry frequently urges residents to attend the work sessions, which will be held twice a month during the budgeting process through April.
Acting President Eileen Fausey told the Herald that MTA has submitted a list of money-saving suggestions as well as compiling a list of more ideas.
“We feel we can cut a lot of money from the budget,” Fausey said.
The check register of expenditures provided by committee at meetings “was a significant improvement in understanding government operations.”
In the newsletter, MTA broke down some of the highest check payments to businesses, utilities and communications between August and December 2008, with Foglio, Atlantic Electric and Verizon topping the lists.
The MTA newsletter also gave updates on some upcoming elections that will affect Middle Township taxpayers.
On Feb. 21, the township’s four fire districts will be asking voters to approve their budgets. According to the newsletter, their needs include:
• Fire District No. 1, Court House, needs to raise $525,000 to occupy new building.
• Fire District No. 2, Rio Grande, needs to purchase new engine for $800,000.
• Fire District No. 3, Green Creek, budget has been approved for final adoption.
• Fire District No. 4, Goshen, requesting funding for historic preservation services.
On April 22, it will be the Middle Township School District’s turn to ask voters to elect board members and approve a budget that includes a new roof as well as possibility for solar panels and a preschool program, the newsletter said.
In the newsletter, MTA also bade farewell to two good friends of the group.
Sam Kelly, the group’s president since 2005, retired.
“Outspoken and passionate about the future of Middle Township and its residents, Sam believed that citizens acting together can make a community a better place and elected officials more accountable,” the newsletter said. “His belief translated into many spirited ‘conversations’ with township committee, at which he conveyed the concerns of the taxpayers.”
Kelly has decided to step aside as president, but plans to continue as an MTA member.
The group also “lost a wonderful member and good friend on Dec. 5, 2008.”
Joe Jackson, who was the president of the Coalition of Civic Organizations, helped MTA incorporate as a non-profit. He was a regular fixture at township committee meetings where he used his background in finance to ask difficult questions about expenses and income.
“We will miss Joe and his many contributions to the MTA, as well as his good humor,” the newsletter said. “It was an honor to know him.”
All taxpayers in Middle Township are invited to join the MTA for $10. The group has membership meetings scheduled for April 15 and Oct. 21.
For more information call (609) 465-3565 or email middletaxpayers@hotmail.com.
This story was first published at capemaycountyherald.com
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com
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