Deptford council voted unanimously on April 21 to adopt a municipal budget for 2025 that maintains a zero local tax increase.
Other details of the financial plan – including its total – were not revealed.
“This budget complements our short-term and long-term growth, which is keeping Deptford affordable for our citizens,” said Councilman Ken Barnshaw. “With the economical spur, the economic development that recently hit us and the opportunity for more development coming in, it’s very promising for Deptford Township.
“One could say we’re in good financial condition.”
The economic development Barnshaw cited is the recent announcement of new stores set to occupy the former Bed, Bath & Beyond in the Deptford Town Center shopping center. The area has sat empty since the store closed in 2023, a great economic blow to the township, according to Mayor Paul Medany.
The new stores – including Aldi, Tractor Supply and Nordstrom Rack – are expected to open at some point in the fall or winter.
“I think the budget going zero again … shows the experience of all the folks around here,” Medany noted. “(They are) council members, all the years you’ve been here crafting budgets, taking a look at things, signing bills and vouchers, the professionals.
“Keeping fiscal responsibility is our main goal,” he added. “Affordability is extremely important in this day and age with everything going on, especially nationally.”
Council also gave credit for the budget to the municipal CFO, Kimberly Kwasizur, who helped construct the plan, a job that was a challenge this year due to national policies affecting local towns. The township did what it could to keep things manageable for residents.
“We maintained services – no layoffs,” Medany explained. “We actually increased services since we purchased more equipment. We’re supporting the police department public-safety wise. Nothing is suffered here. We even hired cops this year and every year.
“You’re doing a fantastic job,” he added, addressing council, “and I want to thank you all for that.”
A public hearing on the budget was held with no participation by residents. The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday.
