The Harrison Township Committee wants Mullica Hill to be a sustainable place for the future.
A primary goal for the committee in 2026 will be to provide as much financial relief as possible to local taxpayers, something that was also a goal in 2025.
“At the same time,” said township Mayor Adam Wingate, “this year allowed us to take a hard and honest look at where our township stands, financially, infrastructure-wise and in terms of staffing and municipal services.”
Wingate refers to 2026 as the “year of the employee” as the township focuses on ensuring each of its departments is properly staffed to improve services for residents. The hope for the near future is to hire two more police officers, another staffer in the clerk’s office and a full-time business administrator.
“Many of our current employees are performing the work of multiple people and, as we all know, when focus is divided, something inevitably suffers,” Wingate noted. “We can no longer delay these necessary improvements.”
The township is facing a 36% increase in employee health benefits in the new year that will add around $400,000 to the municipal budget, according to officials. To mitigate that, the committee will explore options to limit that increase to somewhere between 8% to 9%.
“While I never want to see increase,” the mayor explained, “this option is significantly more manageable than the 36% increase we are otherwise facing.”
Economic development along North Main Street is expected to progress in the new year. Plans are moving along for an additional restaurant in the area, and a new car wash is on the way. Both ventures are expected to create jobs and contribute additional rateables to support township services.
“I believe a township should be run with the same discipline and clarity as a successful business,” Wingate explained. “That means ensuring we bring in more revenue than we spend. To that end, we will be proactive in seeking new businesses and identifying additional revenue opportunities to help offset rising costs. We cannot afford to sit back and wait for revenue to come to us.
“As we move into 2026,” he added, “my focus remains on responsible financial management, improved services and a stronger township for all residents.”
