New Year Brings Exciting Improvements to Toms River

Editor's note: Submitted by Councilman Mo Hill.

As the end of the year approaches, we reflect back on the accomplishments and events of the past year and look forward to what the New Year will bring. 

It is the same with the Township of Toms River. The township is implementing a new biometric employee identification system which will increase security and safety in the township buildings. It will also allow employees to log into the payroll system and track working hours. 

We anticipate breaking ground for the new township animal shelter, which will be located on Oak Street near the Richard Clements Law Enforcement Center in the spring. The township will be moving forward with improvements to the Law Enforcement Center and the expansion of the municipal court. Construction of the girls’ softball complex and park is nearing completion, and the fields should be ready for play this coming spring. 

The township parking garage renovations have started, and a roof will be placed over the garage to protect the deck from the elements, and solar panels will be installed on the roof which will provide electricity to Town Hall. It is anticipated that the panels will reduce our electric bill by $100,000 per year. The Town Hall roof will be renovated and a new HVAC system will be installed, which will be more efficient and save electrical costs. 

In addition, the yearly budgeting process for 2012 will bring new challenges in the face of ever-decreasing state aid and a continuing sluggish economy. The township will be looking to increase efficiencies and cut costs wherever possible while continuing to provide quality services to our residents. 

As the New Year approaches, we hope you and your families had a very Happy Holiday, a Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We wish you all the peace of the season throughout the New Year.