Mayor Dan Rodrick’s administration approved a third consecutive municipal budget with no local tax increase, while residents continue to face higher school taxes driven by Toms River Regional School District spending.
Toms River Mayor Dan Rodrick has presented his third consecutive municipal budget with a 0% tax increase, a milestone that comes as many homeowners continue to see their overall property tax bills rise because of increases from other taxing entities, such as the local school district.
It is the township’s 5th consecutive flat tax budget after former Mayor Maurice “Mo” Hill raised taxes by 7% after taking office. Rodrick, as a member of the township council voted no against Hill’s tax increases.
Rodrick’s administration highlighted the latest budget as part of an effort to reduce spending while maintaining township services. Municipal taxes represent only one portion of a homeowner’s overall property tax bill, which also includes school and county taxes.
“We were elected to cut expenses and stop overdevelopment,” Rodrick said. “That’s what we did, and that’s what I’m going to keep doing.”
Township taxes flat, school taxes continue climbing
While the township’s municipal tax rate has remained unchanged under Rodrick’s administration, the Toms River Regional School District has approved a series of tax increases over the past four years.
According to district budget figures, school taxes have risen by more than 22% during that period. District officials have cited major reductions in state aid, rising health insurance costs, and other operational expenses as key factors behind the increases.
The school district operates independently from township government and is governed by the Toms River Regional Board of Education, led by Board President Ashley Lamb.
As a result, residents who see higher property tax bills are experiencing increases tied primarily to school taxes rather than municipal taxes.
Those tax increases are not under the jurisdiction of the municipal government as the school district is a separate taxing entity.
Poll shows support for fiscal policies
A recent survey of 500 Toms River voters found support for the administration’s fiscal approach.
According to the poll, 67% of respondents approved of the township’s record of passing municipal budgets without tax increases while reducing government spending.
Residents also expressed support for several other administration priorities, including efforts to combat overdevelopment and opposition to large-scale apartment projects.
The survey found Mayor Rodrick’s overall approval rating at 68%.
Overdevelopment remains top issue
The strongest support in the poll centered on growth and development issues.
Seventy-four percent of respondents backed the administration’s efforts to oppose overdevelopment, while 75% supported the mayor’s opposition to proposed high-rise apartment projects in downtown Toms River.
The poll also found support for the township’s affordable housing settlement agreement and proposals involving the Toms River Municipal Utilities Authority.
Residents focused on taxes and growth
According to the survey, fiscal responsibility and growth management remain the dominant concerns among residents.
Respondents frequently cited the township’s ability to avoid municipal tax increases while maintaining services as a significant accomplishment.
The survey sampled 500 Toms River voters between May 1 and May 24 and reported a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.
Key Points
• Toms River adopted its third consecutive municipal budget with a 0% local tax increase under Mayor Dan Rodrick.
• School taxes in the Toms River Regional School District have increased by more than 22% over the past four years, driven by state aid reductions and rising costs.
• A recent poll found 67% support for the township’s no-tax-increase budgets and 68% overall approval for the mayor.
