Maplewood Township Administrator Patrick Wherry

As a resident expressed frustration with her “war-zone”-like street, South Orange Mayor Sheena Collum said the town engineer prioritizes repaving based on condition and usage.

Maplewood Mayor Nancy Adams forecasts a better budget cycle for 2024, reporting that revenues have rebounded post-COVID pandemic.

“Your honeymoon is over now,” Dafis said to Township Administrator Patrick Wherry. “That’s correct,” Wherry replied. 

“We started this process all the way back in January. We are at the point where we can finally see a finish line,” said the CFO. “We’re about to start our 2024 budget preparations,” joked Mayor Dean Dafis. 

“The good news is that we’re still committed to holding our tax rate increase to 3.5%, so none of the important pieces of the budget have changed,” said Township Administrator Patrick Wherry.

“I’m really proud of our efforts here especially during these challenging economic times we are all in,” said Mayor Dean Dafis in response to the upgrade to a AA bond rating.

Officials say that staffing vacancies not filled in 2022 contributed to the lateness of the township’s Annual Financial Statement, which must be submitted before the state can review the budget.

Town leaders discussed their policy for when camps and outdoor activities should be canceled, and how to best alert parents and caretakers of children.

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