The township committee recently introduced a local budget for 2025 that includes a 3.5-cent increase. Our municipal government operates on 20% of your overall tax bill, and it will reflect a $17,616,789.88 budget for this fiscal year. This year’s budget will increase by $651,534.95 over the 2024 budget.
In short, our municipal expenses are up $578,451 as things like contractual salaries and wages increased and employee health insurance costs are always on the rise. Our state aid has been reduced by $126,942.49 and state and federal grants are down $130,636.92.
We’ve been tightening the belt on spending, and this year’s increase is only the second time in the last five years we’re had to raise taxes locally. This budget has no fluff and is reflective of the current state of the economy and the higher cost of living that we are all faced with. Just like all of us today trying to run own households, it’s things like energy costs, gasoline, supplies and materials, etc., that are all more expensive.
Everything costs more today – and we are not immune to the inflated economy that also trickles downward to the municipal government level. Despite these challenges, we have worked hard to craft a fiscally responsible budget that keeps our township on a path of safety and sustainability.
What does this mean for our local taxes? An average home in Mantua assessed at $311,000.00 will see a nominal increase this year of $110 a year in local taxes, or $27.50 per quarter. There will be a budget presentation at our June 9 township committee meeting at 6 p.m. that will include a budget presentation, public hearing and the adoption of the budget.
On May 20, Committeewoman Eileen Lukens and I proudly presented a proclamation to Mary Beth Koniecki, officially recognizing May as Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month in Mantua. Mary Beth, a former Mantua resident and two-time melanoma survivor, has transformed her personal journey into impactful advocacy through the Sunscreen Project. Since its launch, it has donated more than 1,000 units of sunscreen to first responders across Gloucester and Camden counties, including annual contributions to our MTPD.
Spreading awareness about melanoma and other skin cancers is vital, as early detection and prevention can absolutely save lives. Mrs. Koniecki’s efforts through the Sunscreen Project are helping to protect countless people, especially those who protect and serve us throughout the law-enforcement community in our area. It was an honor for Committeewoman Lukens and I to recognize Mrs. Koniecki for her commitment to this extremely important cause.
Also, on May 20, Committeewoman Lukens and I attended the township’s monthly senior dinner hosted at our community center on East Mercer Avenue. We had about 80 guests who enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our very own Santini’s Pizzeria & Restaurant. As always, we thoroughly enjoyed serving dinner and socializing with our senior friends. They have brought decades of valuable knowledge and perspective to our community, and are still an integral part of Mantua Township.
Providing outstanding senior services – including the free monthly dinners – will always be a priority for our township committee. To sign up for our senior services, register in advance by calling Deputy Clerk Pam Levine at (856) 468-1500, ext. 113.
At our May 12 township committee meeting, Committeewoman Lukens, Committeeman Jack Steen and I presented Maryanne Power – along with the president of the Casey Power Foundation, Janine Graham – with a heartfelt proclamation.
Casey Power, a Mantua Township resident, lost her life to domestic violence on April 19, 2021. Despite her physical absence, she lives on through the heartfelt memories of her family and friends, as well as through the Casey Power Foundation, an organization founded by Casey’s family to lift the voices of victims of domestic violence by providing assistance and encouraging public awareness of such abuse.
We want to share our ongoing heartfelt sympathy with Casey Power’s family, including her parents, Maryanne and Dave Power; her sister, Jessica; her brother, Matthew; and her son, Bentley. Maryanne has taken this terrible tragedy, and has mustered the strength and energy to help others through the Casey Power Foundation in Casey’s honor.
On May 10, Committeewoman Lukens and Committeeman Steen were honored to attend the Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremony celebrating Mantua resident Ethan James Worst for attaining his Eagle rank. Ethan’s hard work, perseverance and dedication in earning the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout reflects the very best qualities of our youth.
The Mantua Township Committee proudly congratulates Ethan and his family on this remarkable achievement.
On May 8, officer Matthew Germscheid, with K-9 King, and officer Joseph Craig, with K-9 Odin, graduated from the Atlantic County John “Sonny” Burke K-9 Academy. Both K-9 tandems are trained for single-purpose narcotics detection. The MTPD is now equipped with four K-9 teams, which allows for the Mantua and Wenonah communities to be equipped with a K-9 team on every platoon for around-the-clock services.
Our K-9s are a primary reason the MTPD has excelled with illegal narcotics arrests and is ranked 33rd statewide. During the month of April, the MTPD handled 3,150 calls for service, made 81 arrests, issued 274 summonses, conducted 211 investigation reports and investigated 39 motor-vehicle crashes.
