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Message from Mayor Stephen Dalina
After a very difficult year for our community, spring has brought a rebirth to Monroe. I was pleased to see so many fellow residents at spring cleanups, Opening Day celebrations and all of the other fun, outdoor events that had been cancelled last year because of the pandemic.

As we now set our sights on the unofficial start of summer in the coming weeks, I want to invite you to join us for the annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, taking place Monday, May 31.
We will begin outside of Town Hall, at the Veterans Monument, at 9 a.m. We will lay a wreath to remember the brave souls from Monroe who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. 

Following remarks from dignitaries and special guests, we will take a quick drive to Avenue K, where we will pay our respects in Veterans Park, laying a second wreath and holding services to memorialize Monroe’s heroes. The program is set to begin in the park at 9:45 a.m.

I hope you can join me for this important service.
Mayor and Town Council Introduce a 2021 Budget with a Modest Tax Decrease
Mayor Stephen Dalina and the Township Council have developed a 2021 municipal budget with a modest tax decrease. The proposed budget reduces the municipal tax rate from $.493 to $.490 per $100 assessed value and will be presented for public hearing at the June 2 Township Council meeting. As part of the new budget, water and sewer rates will remain the same.
“This has been an extraordinary and unprecedented year for everyone and the pandemic has caused most of us to have to tighten our belts. The township budget is no different,” Mayor Dalina said. “As your new mayor, I have painstakingly evaluated our balance sheet and made the adjustments necessary to develop a responsible budget proposal that reflects the current economic reality.” 

Among the factors that led to the modest tax decrease were a 23 percent reduction in the township’s statutory debt over the past five years, resulting in a $357,000 decline in the township’s debt service.  

With the help of a strong AA+ bond rating, the township is refinancing previous bonds this month and expects to save an additional $136,000 annually and $1.5 million over the duration of the loans. The township also aggressively pursued federal CARES ACT funding which helped keep tax rates down and provided a modest surplus increase.

The township also aggressively pursued federal CARES ACT funding which helped keep tax rates down and provided a modest surplus increase. Moreover, the township initiated a hiring freeze last year during the height of pandemic shutdowns and many non-essential positions were furloughed. 

“I want to recognize the turmoil and uncertainty our residents faced this past year in the face of the pandemic and resulting economic uncertainty. Remarkably, the township achieved a 99% tax collection rate, which helps keep taxes low,” Mayor Dalina said.

“I would also like to thank the Township Council for its input and participation in the budgeting process as we continue to work together to navigate the pandemic, manage resources and maintain valuable services to our fellow residents,” he added.
Monroe Partners with Local Pharmacies to Provide COVID Vaccine to Homebound Residents
Local pharmacies Texas Road Pharmacy (top) and Point of Care Pharmacy are working with the Township to serve the homebound community.
This spring, Monroe Township EMS crews, accompanied by Township police officers, have transported pharmacists from Texas Road Pharmacy and Point of Care Pharmacy to the homes of homebound residents to administer COVID vaccine.

“This was a big step in our fight against COVID-19 and keeping our residents safe. The Township Council and I are thrilled that the first batch of the coveted COVID-19 vaccine was delivered to our homebound residents,” said Mayor Stephen Dalina.

“On behalf of the Council and from the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank these two local pharmacies for partnering with us on this meaningful initiative,” the mayor added. “Special thanks to our highly skilled and very compassionate EMS and police crews for supporting these efforts. It’s all about working together to help those in need.”

The program to deliver vaccines to Monroe homebound residents began with a collection of names from concerned residents calling the Mayor’s office.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t also thank the County of Middlesex who initially stepped up to offer the J&J vaccine prior to the unfortunate recall,” Mayor Dalina added.

Learn more by calling the Mayor’s office at 732-521-4400, ext. 114.
Play Ball in Monroe!
Mayor Stephen Dalina had the honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch as baseball and softball season goes into full swing in Monroe.
Monroe Launches New Initiative to Promote Economic Growth
The Mayor and Township Council is creating an Economic Development Advisory Board to promote economic growth and job creation. 

The board will align local business leaders with elected officials to maximize the talents of the community and its workforce. 

The town is working collaboratively with Monroe’s business leaders to attract businesses that will add to the Township’s already strong and diverse economic community. 

This initiative will dovetail with the town’s Master Plan efforts — where the Township is exploring appropriate plans for all types of land use, particularly commercial activity. Of course, new business opportunities in the Township lead to property tax relief, from non-residential tax revenue, and that’s a win for everyone. 

The Economic Development Advisory Board will formulate and recommend policies and programs to the Township Council that encourage desirable new businesses to establish roots in Monroe while providing valuable resources to existing Monroe businesses.
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