Message from Mayor Josh Losardo | April 21, 2023

This week, the Township Council adopted a spending plan for the upcoming budget year.

In preparation, we issued what some would consider to be an impossible challenge: To develop a smart, streamlined budget that includes funding for the many initiatives underway.  And, despite strong inflationary pressures and higher fixed costs, we called for as minimal of a tax increase as possible.

Just like our household budgets, where we are seeing increases in everything from eggs to

poultry, the Township is facing higher prices across all parts of our operations.  Scotch Plains, like every other municipality in the state, is seeing health insurance premiums skyrocket, as well as significant increases in the amount of money we need to contribute to the state pension system, as well as contractual obligations.

None of this is unexpected; but higher costs cannot be an excuse for inaction. We still need to push forward, being financially responsible, but while being strategic with our limited funds.

Over the past eight years, Scotch Plains has adopted relatively flat municipal budgets, year after year. We have developed a reputation for very tight spending, with the keen awareness that property tax control is a prime objective.  This year, despite the many financial challenges we are facing, the Administration has developed a spending plan that would increase municipal taxes by about $7 a month for the average assessed home.

And, in exchange for that increase, I am pleased that we can press forward with a number of projects that enhance the quality of life in Scotch Plains, as we prepare for fiscal ’24.

For example, the municipality will continue to provide an enhanced public safety presence at all of our schools, while implementing a new ambulance service that will cover gaps in 24-hour emergency coverage and hiring a Fire Department EMS Supervisor and team. We are also  introducing more traffic calming measures, to ensure students and other pedestrians are safe –

especially during the morning and afternoon rush.

Over the past couple of years, the Township Council has made a targeted effort to greatly enhance our parks and recreational facilities. Despite fiscal challenges, improvements will continue into the new budget year. There are projects planned for Brookside Park, Greenside Playground and Green Forest Park, as well as ongoing restorations at the historic Shady Rest Country Club and the Cannon Ball House.

We are also moving forward with an aggressive road reconstruction plan, ensuring we address each and every pothole throughout the neighborhoods, as well as providing more support for our Department of Public Works. That includes a new tree truck and pickup truck, as well as the replacement of the body of a dump truck.

For enhanced public safety, the Township is acquiring three police SUVs, as well as additional cameras for highly travelled intersections and in our parks. In addition, the fire department will be getting a new engine pumper, the new ambulance and infrastructure improvements, such as new paving at the Southside Fire Station that will increase parking at Southside Field.

Moreover, we are expanding the free recreational programs under our Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, as Scotch Plains is continually recognized statewide as a “Healthy Town” through the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute.  We are expanding our town-wide litter abatement programs, as well, through our very active Green Team.

Our community programming continues to gain popularity, as we have noted a steady spike in attendance following the pandemic. That is why we are expanding public events, many of which are funded partially through generous community sponsorship.

In the coming year, we are planning enhancements to the Memorial Day Parade, the annual Scotch Plains Pride Event, the 5K Patrick’s Race to Summer, the Juneteenth Celebration, Independence Day Fireworks, Scotch Plains Day, concerts, movie nights, Dogust and our holiday celebrations that residents eagerly await.

As the Administration prepared this budget, reflective of the direction of the Township Council and the public, each and every spending item was debated. Some expenditures were pushed to future budget years, when we hope inflation is under control and the Township could have stronger buying power. Other expenditures are necessary now.

I would like to thank Town Administrator Al Mirabella and his department heads for developing the annual budget, as well as the many residents who provided important feedback.

A budget truly reflects the wishes of a community, as well as its direction. I believe the spending plan is responsible and proactive, fulfilling our promises to continually push Scotch Plains forward.