We adopted the 2026 municipal budget at our June 8 township committee meeting.
The township government operates with just 20% of your overall tax bill, and the new financial plan reflects a $18.53-million budget for this fiscal year. The budget will increase by $824,434.00 over 2025.
Some of the major contributing factors to that increase are: a 22% increase in health insurance costs ($683,000), landfill disposal costs ($100,000), statutory pension payments ($156,000), inflationary pressures, fuel and transportation costs, construction materials and equipment, chemicals and public works’ supplies, contracted services, flat state aid, affordable-housing mandates and aging infrastructure (buildings, roads etc.)
This is a responsible budget – it has no fluff and is reflective of the inflationary economy and the cost of doing business that we are faced with today.
The increase in local property taxes this year will mean $156.19 for an average assessed home at $311,417.00. It’s also important to note that the new budget is compliant with both the spending and tax levy caps, with $72,554.24 under the former and 2% under the latter.
As many of you know, Mantua has been recognized by South Jersey magazine over the years as a top town in Gloucester County and the region. The township has the second-lowest tax rate in the county, making ours lower than 22 other municipalities.
One of our greatest responsibilities as your local elected leaders is maintaining a balance between strategic budgeting and services our residents rely on every day. By making thoughtful investments in public safety, community programs and essential services, we continue to strengthen the quality of life that makes Mantua such a special place to call home.
It’s this commitment to balance that helps keep our community among the best places to live and raise your family in our region.
We also approved a resolution at the meeting to put our only available plenary retail consumption liquor license out to bid. The minimum bid is $500,000, with a submission deadline of Aug. 12. Visit our website at www.mantuatownship.com for specific details for this great opportunity.
Community recognition
The Lawson-Cox VFW Post 7679 of Mantua Township hosted its annual community awards night on June 13. I’d like to congratulate the following recipients for receiving these well-deserved awards and for their outstanding service to our community.
The teachers of the year are Kiersten Chinnock in Mantua, Dawn Collins at Clearview Middle School and Diane McCullough at Clearview High School. Firefighter of the year is Santino Donnian, and the police officer of the year is Tom Cirone. The EMT prize went to county responder Karen O’Connor, and the citizen of the year award went to Kevin Hale, auxiliary president of the VFW post.
On behalf of Mantua and its residents, I offer my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the winners’ outstanding service. Your dedication and unwavering commitment to helping others leaves a lasting impact on our community.
Senior barbecue
We hosted our spring senior citizen barbecue on June 16 at the municipal complex. Special thanks to our recreation committee for paving the way to a free evening of food, fun and community engagement. Committee co-chair Regina DeWitt, Deputy Clerk Pam LeVine and committee members Deb Baldasarre and Mary Beth Ehrich-Rosauer helped in multiple ways.
Special chefs Jim Kiel and Rich Gerber – also recreation committee members – prepared hot dogs and hamburgers for close to 100 guests.
On hand were Deputy Mayor Lukens; committeemen Jack Steen and Jay Snyder; Police Chief Bill Murphy; Lt. Brian Hauss; and Lt. Drew Hayes, who helped to serve the meals and supported the seniors and our team of wonderful volunteers.
