The past year brought new challenges for the township council.
“We still have the issue of creating the budget,” said Mayor James “Randy” Pace. “Despite the belt tightening, we’re still looking at a deficit in 2013.”
In February, township manager Chris Schultz revealed a budget of $18,377,628, as compared to the $21,870,040 budget in 2011.
Four officers were eliminated in the process, along with raised taxes to maintain municipal trash pickup.
In an effort to continue to save money, the trash pickup will be seeing changes in 2013.
According to Pace, a third party will be contracted for trash collection.
“Trash will no longer be done by the township employees. The public works will be able to focus more on public works projects, rather than just trash.”
Despite the changes, the debt still remains a challenge the township must overcome.
According to Pace, previous councils continuously borrowed money for day-to-day operations, a practice that contributed to the $6 million debt.
In August, The Professional Services and Other Services Task Force, originally created in February, presented additional reasons for the staggering debt.
Additionally, Pace said he would be double-checking all items that come to the attention of the council to make sure they know where the money is and where it is being spent and how it is being spent.
“Despite all the cuts we made this year, all our debts have increased. The cost of the debt went up for 2013,” said Pace.
“I don’t think people actually understand what exactly $6 million in deficit means,” said Pace.
Residents however have been making suggestions to help reduce the debt.
“Everybody has a hand in expenses. We may not be able to use every idea, but we listen to what people have to say about it,” said Pace.
Furthermore, the township still needs to create revenue, said Pace.
“Going forward, we’d like to increase commercial ratables in Medford Township. It will help the deficit,” said Pace.
Part of creating revenue for the township will be the rehabilitation of Main Street, which is in “full swing,” according to Pace.
“The rehab of Main Street is on. The project will move forward,” he said, mentioning the task will be a long process.
“Anyone who thinks it will change in the blink of an eye is kidding themselves, this will be a long project,” said Pace.
The committees have been consolidated and will be taking on responsibility in 2013, according to Pace.
Three ordinances passed in November consolidated the multiple underutilized committees.
The Shade Tree Advisory Board and the Open Space Advisory Board were consolidated to create the Environmental Affairs Committee. Additionally, the Traffic Safety Advisory Board and the Public Safety Advisory Board were eliminated.
“There were so many boards, it got out of control,” council member Chris Buoni told The Sun earlier in November.
The Recreation Advisory Board, the Cultural Arts Commission, the Homeowners’ Association Advisory Board, the Senior Citizens Advisory Board, and the Municipal Alliance Board were consolidated to create a new Neighborhood Services Advisory Committee, according to the ordinance.
“The new committees will begin their work since combining them, getting the Citizens Advisory Board up and running. Also, one of the focuses of the Economic Development Committee is to work on the ratables,” said Pace.
Pace commended the work of multiple organizations in Medford for their cooperation and work throughout 2012.
“The arts center, the MYAA, the Rotaries, they all stepped up. Now, it’s time for Medford Township to step up,” said Pace. “They weren’t looking for the government to pay for everything, but we should be able to help with their needs.”
The township council was to hold its reorganization meeting on Jan. 1 due to scheduling conflicts leading up to the Jan. 8 deadline. Stay with The Sun for further updates on the meeting.
“While we had a lot of changes in 2012. We will see a lot more in 2013,” said Pace.
