TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River’s municipal budget for 2025 will see a 9% reduction in overall spending while holding the line on municipal taxes, following approval by the Township Council on June 30.
The $135 million plan, down $11 million from last year, was narrowly approved in a 4-3 vote. Mayor Daniel Rodrick credited the savings to “effective cost-cutting measures, including the elimination of wasteful spending, unnecessary positions and insurance savings.”
“We are proud to present a budget that not only keeps taxes down for our seniors but also improves our infrastructure and services,” Rodrick said during the meeting.
The budget includes paying off $12 million in bond debt, according to Township Auditor Jerry Conaty, as well as plans to double road repaving projects compared to the previous year.
New capital projects in the plan include two parks, a spray park, and a downtown pier. It also targets waterfront infrastructure upgrades to address tidal flooding.
Despite the spending cuts, the average homeowner with a property assessed at $448,400 will continue to pay approximately $1,960 annually in municipal taxes, which fund services like police, sanitation, and code enforcement.
The mayor and council emphasized that school and county taxes are set independently and are expected to rise, though they fall outside of municipal control.
Voting in favor of the budget were Councilmen Lamb, Coleman, Byrne, and Councilwoman O’Toole. Councilmen Ciccozzi, Quinlisk, and Nivison voted against it, signaling continued division within the governing body.
Toms River’s new budget slashes spending while maintaining municipal tax rates and funding key infrastructure projects.