Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | March 21, 2025

I want to add some perspective and awareness about the proposed 2025 municipal budget, which the Township Council has scheduled for a public hearing and adoption on April 15.  

This year’s $34.6-million operating budget reflects our commitment to responsible fiscal management while continuing to invest in essential services and amenities that maintain and enhance our community.

While this budget does include an increase of approximately $179 per year for the average assessed home, or about $15 a month, it is mainly the result of rising “fixed costs.”  These are contractual obligations and other increases beyond our control, such as spiking health insurance rates, mandatory pension contributions, inflation, and, unfortunately, a reduction in state aid. 

It is important to note that the municipal portion of property taxes is anticipated to be approximately 15% of your total property tax bill, which also includes taxes for the public schools, the library and Union County.  The Township Council is only responsible for the municipal portion, which is among the lowest proportionally in the state when factored with school, county and library taxes.

Over the past decade, our municipal budgets have remained relatively stable, demonstrating our dedication to responsible spending while maintaining the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.

While the municipal budget is a dense document, as you can expect, I pulled out some line items that I thought would be of interest to you. Please note you can review the entire proposed municipal budget, line by line. It is a public document that is available at the municipal building during normal business hours, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. weekdays.

Budget Highlights:

• Public Library Funding: The Scotch Plains Public Library will receive $1.988 million to operate in the coming year. There are many great programs available for residents of all ages. I urge you to check out the library and see all that is available to you.
• Public Safety Investments: We have included extra funding for police and fire department equipment, new vehicles, and improved security measures throughout town. We have worked closely with our emergency responders to identify needs, not wants, to ensure they have the equipment needed to best safeguard our community.

Additionally, through the recommendations of our administration and department heads, we need to fund vital infrastructure improvements, public safety upgrades, and technology enhancements.

Highlights:

• Road Improvements: Funds are expected to be authorized to complete upgrades to Cooper Road (Phase 2), Raritan Road (from Terrill Road to Donsen Lane) and the entire lengths of Stocker Lane, Homestead Terrace and Edgewood Terrace, and Farley Avenue (from East 2nd Street to the northern terminus).
• Public Works Enhancements: $525,000 will fund the removal and replacement of underground fuel-storage tanks, while $110,000 will go toward purchasing a new dump truck to help expedite spring and fall cleanups throughout town.
• Fire Department Improvements: $275,000 is allocated for an addition to the south side firehouse, to accommodate the department’s ambulance that is greatly enhancing response times. An additional $230,000 will be used for new equipment and turnout gear.
• Police Department Enhancements: $315,000 will be used for new vehicles and updated firearms, along with $142,000 for traffic-calming signs, security cameras, and signal upgrades as part of ongoing efforts to make our roads as safe as possible.
• Parks & Recreation Enhancements: $50,000 will be used to upgrade park restrooms, and $134,000 will support the purchase of a new vehicle and two utility carts dedicated to our Recreation Department for use in our parks. Having this vehicle will make it much easier for staff to run such popular town events as Trunk or Treat and the Fourth of July fireworks.
• Technology & Infrastructure: $50,000 will be used for new IT equipment across municipal departments to improve efficiency, while $150,000 will be used to replace stormwater inlet curb pieces and transition natural gas streetlamps on the south side.
• Highland Swim Club: The Township is seeking to purchase the Highland Swim Club property on Martine Avenue for $3,365,000 to greatly increase open/recreational space for residents of all ages. It is important to note that $1.8 million of the total sum would come from a grant from New Jersey. The governing body will seek advice from the Recreation Commission, Recreation Department and all residents about how this open space can best be used for our community. At this time, the only decision that has been made is to increase open and/or recreational space if the pool club is acquired. Once the acquisition and bond ordinances are adopted, the purchase agreement will be executed and the Township will conduct further due diligence before finalizing the purchase. Expect much, much more dialogue, as this is a significant move for our community that can benefit generations of residents.

 Please participate in the upcoming public hearings on both the municipal budget and the capital bond ordinance, scheduled for Tuesday, April 15 at Town Hall, 430 Park Ave. Your direct input is invaluable as we work together to ensure a fiscally responsible and forward-thinking future for Scotch Plains.

I want to thank my fellow council members, Township Manager Al Mirabella, Deputy Township Manager Margaret Heisey and our dedicated township officials for their hard work in crafting this budget. Through their efforts, we are continuing to make smart, strategic investments that directly benefit every Scotch Plains resident.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement.