TOMS RIVER — New Jersey’s favorite Amish cover band, The Amish Outlaws, took over Shelter Cove Beach this weekend as hundreds gathered on land and water for another packed installment of the Toms River Summer Concert Series.
Fans filled the beach with lawn chairs and blankets while dozens of boaters anchored offshore to catch the show from the water. The concert, followed by fireworks, turned Shelter Cove into a full-scale waterfront party.
Now in its second year under the direction of Mayor Daniel Rodrick, the weekly free outdoor concert series has transformed the once quiet park into a regional summer destination.
“This is a great experience for our town, it brings everyone out on our beautiful summer nights and it helps the local businesses too,” said Mayor Rodrick. “It’s part of our overall plan to bring Toms River back to life with family friendly entertainment, recreation.”
Rodrick added that a larger waterfront development plan is in the works, aiming to expand food and recreation options in downtown Toms River and create a central hub for year-round family activity.
Rodrick credited the success of the concert to the efforts of the township council, recreation department, and parks staff, along with the enthusiastic crowds that continue to turn out each week.
No New Taxes for Toms River: Mayor Rodrick’s 0% Tax Increase Budget Passes, Cuts Spending by $11 Million
On June 30th, Mayor Rodrick and the Toms River Township Council presented a budget for 2025 that has a 9% reduction in overall spending while maintaining a zero percent tax increase. The proposed $135 million budget decreases by $11 million from last year’s financial plan, a move Mayor Daniel Rodrick attributes 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,” Mayor Rodrick stated during the council meeting.
Township Auditor Jerry Conaty provided insights into the budget’s financial strategies, stating that the township plans to pay off $12 million in bond debt this year.
The 2025 budget also allocates funds to pave twice as many roads as the previous year’s plan, demonstrating a commitment to enhance the community’s infrastructure.
Additionally, there are allocations for various capital projects, including the establishment of two new parks, a spray park, and a downtown pier. Importantly, the budget addresses critical infrastructure needs, including initiatives targeting tidal flooding in waterfront areas.
Homeowners in Toms River can expect their municipal tax bill to remain at approximately $1,960 per year for an average home assessed at $448,400. These municipal taxes fund essential services such as police protection, garbage collection, and code enforcement.
School and county taxes are still expected to rise, but’s important to note that these taxes are governed by separate entities, each with its own elected officials, and budget. The Mayor and Council of Toms River do not have control over school or county taxes.
Toms River’s Municipal budget was approved by a 4 to 3 vote, with Councilmen Lamb, Councilman Coleman, Councilman Byrne, and Councilwoman O’Toole supporting the budget. In contrast, Councilman Ciccozzi, Councilman Quinlisk, and Councilman Nivison voted against it, highlighting ongoing divisions within the council.
