Dear Residents,
The last time I served as Mayor in 2020, we navigated the incredible circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges we all faced both professionally and personally. It affected all of us in some way, and many of us still struggle today.
As we continue to emerge from the pandemic, we are faced with its ongoing consequences on a national level, such as the rising costs of gas and construction materials. Even in our own state and municipality, we are baffled by the rising costs of services we have no control over. In the last year, Garbage and Disposal costs increased by 34%, Library costs increased by 30%, Recycling Collection Fees & Medical Insurance costs rose by 21%, and Workers Compensation Insurance costs increased by 20%. These increases do not just affect our municipality, but they are felt throughout Union County and New Jersey as a whole.
As we attempt to maximize our cost-saving efforts, including reviewing existing and potential new shared services agreements with other public entities, shifting service entities to control costs, and applying for grants and other outside funding sources, we still are faced with a substantial hurdle to keep taxes in check while providing the same level and quality of services and programs our residents, businesses, and visitors.
We will continue to update you on future developments and share more specific information during our public budget presentations this Spring.
Stay safe!
Mayor Christopher Capodice, Sr.
02/23/2023