Mayor Touts Accomplishments In Annual Long Valley Update

LONG VALLEY, NJ — To kick off the new year, the Washington Township Committee held its annual reorganization meeting, during which Mayor Matt Murello reflected on the administration's accomplishments.

During the Monday, Jan. 2 reorganization, Mayor Murello touted Long Valley's accomplishments over the past year, emphasizing the administration's continued commitment to fiscally conservative budgeting.

The meeting began with Michael Marino and Richard Wall, members of the township committee, being sworn in for three-year terms, and Murello being named mayor for the fifth consecutive year.

Marino was also selected as this year's deputy mayor.

"Starting in 2023, I am very excited to have an entire township committee that will work collaboratively to benefit the people of the township and leave the personal partisanship out of the public’s business," Murello said.

According to Murello, one of the most difficult challenges in municipal government is keeping up with the township's aging infrastructure. Officials continued to work on infrastructure improvements in 2022, budgeting $1.5 million for paving and resurfacing projects.

The township finished nearly four miles of major paving and road work improvement projects, including Hickory Lane, Arrowhead Drive, Coleman Road and started parts of Fawnridge, which is expected to be finished early in the spring of 2023.

Murello also hinted that the township has begun work on the renovation and expansion of the senior center, which is expected to be completed this spring.

"This is the year that the exterior of the municipal building renovation will get completed after years of delays due to historic approvals," Murello said.

The committee also stated that it listens to residents' concerns about property taxes and is committed to fiscally conservative budgeting. "We strive to continue to deliver the services and equipment needed in our town, with minimal tax impact to the residents," Murello said.

According to officials, Washington Township has the county's third-lowest municipal property taxes per person.

Across the state, municipalities receive about 29 percent of property taxes, while schools receive 53 percent and counties receive 18 percent. In 2022, less than 18 percent of Washington Township residents' property taxes went to the municipality, while 72 percent went to schools. The average property tax bill increased by 1.9 percent, while the regional school portion increased by 4.9 percent.

The average Washington Township homeowner saw a $48 increase in municipal taxes in the 2022 budget, compared to the previous year.

Murello emphasized that, while the government faces additional challenges such as record-high inflation, changes to the state's pension requirements that will add $231,000 to the township's budget, and increases in township health benefits of nearly $300,000, he is optimistic. "Even with these fiscal challenges, I’m committed to continuing to keep the municipal share of the property taxes low and deliver the services needed for our residents,"

Initial budget conversations are expected to begin in the coming weeks, with a township committee meeting scheduled for Monday, Jan. 16. To view the full agenda, click here.