Politics & Government
Council President: Toms River Finding Efficiencies, Cutting Costs
"Mo" Hill outlines recent savings
Column as submitted by Toms River Council President Maurice Hill:
As the Toms River Township Administration starts to draft the 2012 budget the Mayor and Council continue to look for efficiencies and cost savings in our local government to save taxpayer dollars. Recently the Township consolidated over 15 separate medical insurance plans to 3 medical plans resulting in a savings of over $1,000,000 annually.
The institution of single stream recycling with robo trucks has reduced manpower costs, cut down on injuries to personnel and disability claims. In addition the Township now receives over $350,000 a year in revenue from the County for our recycling. The bi weekly pick up schedule has greatly reduced overtime costs resulting in increased savings to the taxpayer. The increase in recycling by our residents has also reduced our garbage tonnage and thereby reduced our landfill charges again saving money for the taxpayer. The Public Works Department has entered into a shared services agreement with the Toms River Regional School District for garbage and recycling which brings in additional revenues to the Township. The Department has also entered into agreements with several condominium communities for refuse removal and standardized snow removal costs which will save the Township on annual reimbursements previously paid to the communities for those services.
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The Building Department entered into a shared services agreement with Brick Township to provide inspection services which increased revenues to the Town. Toms River is improving the municipal parking garage by reinforcing the foundation and constructing a roof which will protect the parking deck and allow for placement of solar panels on the roof. The solar project is part of a $900,000 grant from the federal government. The solar panels will save the Town over $100,000 per year in reduced electrical costs.
Toms River is refinancing $18,000,000 in bonds at a lower rate that will save the Township almost $800,000.
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In these difficult economic times the Mayor and Council are using best business practices to increase efficiencies and productivity to maintain quality municipal services while controlling costs.
Maurice "Mo" Hill
Toms River Council President
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