The State of Middle Township

COURT HOUSE – The Middle Township Chamber of Commerce hosted Mayor Timothy Donohue’s address on the state of the township Feb. 24. Held at Bellevue Tavern, the event is part of the chamber’s annual business-to-business dinner. The highlight of the evening for local business owners was Donohue’s positive message on the township.
Reminding his audience at the start of his talk that, “We are in competition with other towns,” Donohue stressed the need to attract and retain “well-run businesses.” The vision he presented is simple in conception, but striking the balance he proposes will be difficult in execution. Donohue wants to promote “responsible growth” while improving the quality of life for residents and preserving the “unique heritage of the town.”
That balance between growth and preservation is at the heart of many of the differences in political perspective within the township. Donohue pulls no punches when he says that there are some people “who just don’t get it.” Yet his message to the chamber was directed at the right audience. Middle Township is “open for business.” Donohue touched on five major areas as he fleshed out his vision.
He spoke of the need to improve financial management. He reminded his audience of the problems that were discovered in the Finance Office, including the significant overpayment of township phone bills. The restructuring of that office after an independent audit and establishment of necessary checks and balances was required action if the township was to meet its obligations to the citizens.
Stabilizing the tax rate ranks high on the things Donohue wanted to highlight. Bringing stability to the township levy is a big part of making the township competitive for business. A strategy that seeks stability in the levy requires other ways for the township to grow its revenue in support of necessary services. For Donohue that is the reason he must also stress expanding the ratable base.
In both areas of concern, Donohue provided some basic numbers to illustrate his points.
For the last three years, Middle Township has maintained a consistent levy at approximately $12.3 million. The levy represents the amount that must be raised through taxation, and other more minor sources of revenue like license fees, in order to fund municipal services. That $12.3 million levy represents about 26 percent of the total tax rate to property owners. The remainder of the total tax rate, 74 percent, is accounted for by the county tax, the fire tax and, the single largest component, the school tax.
Part of the vision the mayor presented was one based on greater efficiencies in government services matched with expanding ratables as a way to keep the township budget in line with needs without raising the levy. He pointed to the fact that the last three years witnessed a gradual expansion of ratables which have increased by over $36 million since 2013.
Responding to one question concerning what the questioner called “out of whack” assessments, Donohue was blunt in his reply, “If you think there is an assessment that’s wrong, the process is there to address it. Use it.”
Along with improvements in financial management, stabilizing the levy and expanding the ratables, Donohue focused on needed improvements in infrastructure. He spoke of the road and drainage improvement plan; better coordination on sewer, water and gas line improvements; power grid upgrades; and efforts to reduce flood insurance costs, among other things.
Wanting to stay true to the part of his vision that spoke to preserving the unique character of the township, Donohue also discussed open space planning. Here he pointed to beach restoration and resiliency efforts, funding for the Ockie Wisting Recreation Complex, the Reeds Beach jetty walk, birding tower and kayak ramp.
The fifth of his five points was “effective personnel training and management.” An essential step in achieving the goals Donohue outlined is building more efficient government. This step provides improved service levels without adding constant pressure on the tax rate. Donohue spoke of the recent increase from 43 to 48 full-time police officers, significant efforts to better manage and increase the use of technology, and a new emphasis on employee recognition.
Seeking more involvement of citizens in meeting township needs, Donohue also spoke of increased volunteerism. Citing the creation of “New Jersey’s first municipal Animal Advisory Board,” active and fully staffed volunteer boards, and the environmental commission, Donohue noted that the township would boast a Veterans Advisory Council in 2015.
Bringing things back to his chamber audience Donohue said “Middle Township is open for business.” His address seemed well received. Even those who would disagree with Donohue’s plans for the township will probably find little in his vision that offends them. The issue will be on where the line is drawn between “responsible growth” and preservation “of the unique heritage of the town.”
To contact Vince Conti, email vconti@cmcherald.com.