MANCHESTER – Mayor Joseph Hankins introduced this year’s $51.9 million municipal budget during the latest Township Council meeting, presenting a narrative which will have more details provided to the public during its hearing next month.
“The proposed municipal budget is $51,906,670.44 with $32,059,595.80 required to be raised through taxation to support municipal operations and services. This budget reflects the township’s continued commitment to maintaining essential public services, investing in our community, and addressing rising operational costs while remaining fiscally responsible,” the mayor added.
He said the proposed municipal tax rate represents an increase of 2.5 cents over last year’s tax rate. “For the average assessed home in this township, valued at $367,443, this equates to approximately $100 annually, or about $25 per quarter.”
“Despite ongoing financial pressures affecting municipalities throughout New Jersey, this budget was developed with careful consideration to balance the needs of our residents with the long term financial stability of the township,” the mayor added.
The spending plan is available for public review through copies obtained through the Clerk’s Office or by visiting the township website at manchestertwp.com. The public hearing for the budget will be at 6 p.m. on June 8 and will feature a detailed budget presentation prior to public comment and the anticipated vote for adoption by the township council.
Any questions that members of the municipality may have prior to the hearing should be directed to Chief Financial Officer Jeanette Larrison or Business Administrator Carl Block.
Leadership Change
Councilwoman Michele Zolezi became the new council president replacing Councilwoman Roxy Conniff who resigned last month, while Judy Noonan who served as the mayor’s confidential aide was appointed to fill the vacant council seat
This marks the first time Councilwoman Zolezi will hold the position of council president. She previously served as council vice president a few years ago. She thanked her colleagues in having faith in her leadership abilities.
Noonan, who previously served several terms as a councilwoman in Berkeley Township when she lived there, was approved in a 3-1 vote. Zolezi, Council Vice President James Vaccaro and Councilman Craig Wallis voted in the affirmative while Councilwoman Sandy Drake abstained. She will take her oath of office at the next Township Council meeting.
In other news, Township Clerk Teri Giercyk joined members of her staff in being honored for National Municipal Clerk’s Week. Mayor Hankins read the proclamation which was presented to her in a frame afterwards. Councilman Craig Wallis called Giercyk “the best clerk in the state” noting her role was “to keep us all out of trouble.” The other members of council and Mayor Hankins each congratulated her for her hard work, her calm and friendly demeanor when dealing with the public and staff and her knowledge of municipal government.
Vaccaro noted that one act of kindness by an individual to another can change a person’s whole day and encouraged members of the public to remember that noting also that Manchester was the gemstone and gateway of the Jersey Shore.
Officials noted the recent ribbon cutting at the Whiting Veterinary Clinic that many had attended over the past weekend.
Council President Zolezi noted that it was National Police Week and that she applauded the township’s police department noting Chief Antonio Ellis and members of the force were taking part in the National Unity Tour and were heading to Washington D.C. “We wish them well.” She also congratulated Noonan. “I look forward to working with you.”
Business Administrator Carl Block noted that specifications for the new communications tower to be based in the Whiting section of the township for police and emergency service response was expected to be reviewed within the next month or two and then awarded. He also noted that tax maps were recently digitized and would be added to the township website. Zoning maps will also be added to the site within the next 60 days.
