Jackson officials explain budget misinformation spread on facebook

JACKSON TOWNSHIP, NJ—If you’re getting your news from unverified and secretive Facebook pages, you might think Jackson Township is only budgeting $200,000 for road improvements and paving projects in 2024. Today, the township addressed an intentionally posted piece of misinformation published by an anonymous Facebook page that claims just that.

The anonymous poster who refused to provide their name, officials say, is intentionally misleading residents to create a sense of doubt for political gain, pointed to a $200,000 line item in the current budget.

The township explained what that line item was for today.

A municipal budget is a very complex document that is essentially the one-year equivalent of a business plan in the private sector. It is filled with line items of past income and expenses and a forecast of future income and expenses for the municipality. It also includes multi-year projections for capital improvements.

According to Business Administrator Terence Wall, the annual budget in Jackson accounts for every penny of the approximately $59 million it costs to operate the township for the year. That cost includes, but is not limited to, salaries, insurance, bond payments, capital improvements, and capital purchases.

This year, those capital improvements include roadway and infrastructure projects such as paving roadways and installing sidewalks, among other items.

Wall says the budget can be confusing, especially if you are unfamiliar with municipal budgets, but it is a very clear and concise document.

He explained how the township will pay for the numerous roadway and pedestrian safety projects in 2024.

He also noted that some people in town are confusing a $200,000 line item in the budget document with the total budget allocation with the total amount of money actually available for those much-needed capital improvements.

“In regard to Capital, the Township is poised for continued exceptional progress this year. $200,000 is included for this year towards the fund. Folks unfamiliar with municipal operations may believe this is the capital program,” Wall said. “It’s not. The $200,000 represents the 5% required in municipal finance to provide up to $4 million in bonded capital improvements this year. In addition, we set aside another MILLION for additional road work paid in cash for 2024.”

He said the township is investing $5.8 million in capital improvements, which include traffic safety endeavors such as roadway paving and pedestrian access.

“The above data does not include the $2.8 million we already have on hand to deploy as needed for the care, maintenance and development of our capital plans. This includes consideration of various roadways and related drainage, curbing, and sidewalks to enhance vehicular and, importantly, pedestrian safety.

“In 2024, the township has budgeted exactly $5,689,797.50 as the current max overall we are planning to spend including everything. This is also always subject to modification and adjustment throughout the year,” Wall added.

The township budget can be read in its entirety online. Business Administrator Wall said that while the budget can seem overwhelming to residents at first glance, it is a very detailed accounting of the township’s finances. He invites residents to stay tuned attend future budget hearings, and ask questions. He also said residents with comments and questions may also reach out to the township as he and his staff are always willing to explain the details to residents.

The Public Hearing on the budget is May 28th.

You can see the 2024 Jackson Township Budget Presentation here: https://www.jacksontwpnj.net/DocumentCenter/View/15544/2024-Budget-Presentation-PDF

The 2024 User Friendly Jackson Municipal Budget can be seen here: https://www.jacksontwpnj.net/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/151

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