TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Mayor Dan Rodrick introduced a municipal budget on Wednesday that includes no increase in the municipal tax rate and cuts the budget from $146 million to $135 million, slashing $11 million in spending. It was approved during a first reading 6-0 by the township council.
Even with a zero percent tax increase, tempers flared during the budget introduction as three councilmembers who politically oppose Rodrick, Tom Nivison, James Quinlisk, and David Ciccozzi balked at the budget. Ciccozzi even refused to vote to introduce the 0% increase.
The proposed spending plan keeps the municipal tax rate steady at 43.7 cents per $100 of assessed property value. For a home assessed at the township average of $448,400, the annual municipal tax bill would remain at approximately $1,960.
Spending is down $11 million compared to last year.
Mayor Rodrick said the reduction was achieved through staffing cuts and lower employee healthcare costs. He said the town saved $1.4 million on healthcare and another $5 million through a reduction in positions at town hall.
The tri of opposing councilmembers have publicly opposed most of Rodrick’s budget cuts.
Auditor Jerry Conaty noted the 2025 budget includes the repayment of $12 million in bond debt and allocates funds to resurface twice as many roads as last year. Capital projects in the proposal include funding for spray parks and a pier in the downtown area.
Council approves introduction, sets June hearing
The council voted 6–0 to introduce the budget, with Councilman David Ciccozzi abstaining. Although the vote passed without opposition, underlying political strain emerged during the meeting, highlighting the political rift between the Mo Hill faction of the Toms River Republican party and Rodrick’s agenda.
Rodrick defeated Hill and his allies in the 2023 general election. Since then, the remnants of the “Mo Hill Gang” have been trying to stop all of Rodrick’s D.O.G.E. style reforms at town hall, much like some Congressional Republicans are fighting President Trump’s reforms in D.C.
Councilman Thomas Nivison, a former ally of Rodrick who has since become a critic, addressed the budget before casting his vote, highlighting the ongoing divide among township leadership. At times during the meeting, Nivison became unhinged.
A public hearing and final vote on the budget is scheduled for June 25.
