Mayor Focuses on RVSA Utility Fee, Dowtown Development, in September Message

In his latest message to township residents, Springfield Mayor Ziad Shehady talks budget and business, defending the government's decision to charge RVSA fees as a separate utility and pointing hopefully to a brighter future for Springfield's downtown.

Shehady argues that the changes to RVSA payments, formerly part of homeowners' tax bills and now collected as a separate utility with a $250 minimum annual fee, were necessary in light of economic circumstances and what he characterizes as poor planning by previous administrations. Shehady and Finance Committee chairman Jerry Fernandez will hold two public discussion about changes to RVSA fees on Oct. 5 (see below for more information).

He also touches on a longstanding township issue; Springfield's beleaguered downtown. The Morris Ave. strip, currently littered with empty storefronts, was designated a Special Improvement District. 

"In the coming months, commercial property owners and business stakeholders will come together, commit their own funds and collaborate on ideas to make Downtown Springfield a place we can all be proud of," Shehady writes.

The full text of the message is below. 

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I hope everyone enjoyed the summer! For the Township Committee, the summer was no vacation as we confronted the municipal budget, tackled major expenses and examined new revenue streams. The municipal budget and the change in billing for the sewerage utility was the biggest challenge. The budget was reduced in an effort to provide property tax relief and we were also able to maintain the same level of services that everyone expects and enjoys. On the other hand, headlines around the state and county tell of budget increases and service cuts for other towns.

While the decision to separate the utility cost was not easy, the Township Committee voted unanimously in the best interest of Springfield. Due to unfortunate economic circumstances and poor planning by previous administrations, we were left with few choices. There were many factors involved in the decision making process to arrive at a fee structure that would be the best, albeit not perfect, method to pay the nearly $2 million utility bill. This is a work in progress and the Township is flexible. We are open to suggestions and improvements. Regardless, this fee was previously paid by taxpayers but is now separated from the tax bill resulting in either a lower or similar charge for a majority of customers. Without this change, the municipal budget would have been up to 10% greater. This is not a shortcut or the end of our work for greater fiscal responsibility. We are continuing to look for further reductions in costs (for example, we are switching to the state health benefits program which will yield significant savings compared to the present offering and we joined an energy aggregation program to achieve cheaper utility rates).

On Tuesday, October 5th, come by Town Hall at 9:30 a.m. or the Firehouse Training Room at 6:30 p.m. for a friendly discussion with Finance Chairman Jerry Fernandez and me about the Rahway Valley Sewerage Authority and the recent sewerage utility bill. I am eager to hear your concerns and suggestions so that I may work towards improving the utility established by the Township Committee. For your convenience, the discussion will happen in the morning & evening. I look forward to seeing you!

For nearly two decades, there has been no progress improving our downtown. Last month, after much planning, we took the first step towards a better downtown through the development of a "Special Improvement District." This designation has been used successfully around the state and in nearby communities to revitalize business districts. In the coming months, commercial property owners and business stakeholders will come together, commit their own funds and collaborate on ideas to make Downtown Springfield a place we can all be proud of.

I am holding open office hours September 10th at 10 a.m., September 13th at 6 p.m., September 27th at 6 p.m., and October 2nd at 9 a.m. Please e-mail me at mayor@zashehady.com or call 973-912-2200 to make an appointment or schedule alternate arrangements. Additionally, contact me if you would like to host coffee/tea for neighbors and have me over to speak on any issue(s) of concern to your group.