Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gloucester Township public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in taxes budget
$400,000 Grant for a New Electric Senior Bus
Council inserted a $400,000 state grant into the budget and applied for more funding to replace the aging senior transportation bus with a new electric 32-passenger vehicle.
Disabled veteran tax relief
Council credited $7,114.47 of a totally disabled veteran's 2026 taxes and canceled his 2027 first- and second-quarter bills.
National Opioid Settlement funds
The township is inserting a $90,999.20 National Opioid Settlement grant into the 2026 budget for operations excluded from the cap.
Disabled veteran property tax exemptions
Two veterans — Michael Ferguson and Eric Began — received total disabled veteran tax exemptions, with 2025 credits and their first two quarters of 2026 taxes canceled.
New part-time collection systems license operator position
A new ordinance would add a part-time sewer utility position paying $55–$95 an hour. It gets a public hearing at second reading before final adoption.
2026 Municipal Budget Introduction
Council adopted a 2026 budget raising municipal taxes about 13% — roughly $300-400 a year for the average homeowner. Council blames a $3 million health insurance jump and $1 million in snow removal; critics say the township overstates expenses and understates revenue by millions.
Stay NJ / Anchor Senior Rebate Changes
Speaker after speaker described escrow shortages, borrowing from family, and waiting for state rebates they must pay upfront. Residents asked council to scrutinize the budget to ease the senior burden.
2026 Budget Cap Increase to 3.5%
The proposed 2026 budget raises the local tax levy 13.25%, and residents — especially seniors and young families — pleaded hardship. Council trimmed the levy by $496,885 via amendment but blame a $3M health insurance spike and $1M snow emergency for the bulk of the increase. Final budget adoption comes May 27.
Interstate Waste Services Lease Extension
The township extended its lease with Interstate Waste Services at 905 Hickstown Road through the end of 2026, dropping the separate Erial Road parcel from the deal.
Shared Services Agreement with Pine Hill MUA
The township will maintain Pine Hill MUA's vehicle fleet for a fee — a shared-services deal that brings in revenue and keeps township garage staff busy.
$10.4 Million Capital Improvements Bond
The annual capital bond funds street and sidewalk repaving, drainage fixes, park upgrades, police equipment and training center expansion, township buildings, public works vehicles, and buying the former PNC Bank property on Church Street.
TIPS cooperative purchasing membership
The township joined a national cooperative buying program so it can piggyback on bulk contracts — saving money and paperwork on goods and services. Membership is free.
Cash Payment Rounding Policy (Pennies)
With pennies scarce, cash payments for tax and sewer bills will now round up to the nearest nickel — but any overage is credited to your next bill, and checks and electronic payments are unaffected.
Township revenue from solar, dispensaries and the outlets
A resident pressed for a breakdown of revenue from solar panels at the GEMS Landfill and cannabis dispensaries, noting township debt rose from $32 million to $76 million over 12 years. The council said it would provide the figures, noting the outlets generate about $3 million.