Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Middletown public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with medium priority
Opioid settlement funds survey
The township signed onto a Monmouth County program that routes eligible municipal court defendants into a 12-week to 6-month substance-use diversion program, funded with opioid settlement money.
$8 Million in Property Acquisition Bonds
The township finalized two bond ordinances — $600,000 and $7.4 million — to buy property, plus introduced an amendment to an earlier bond ordinance. Debt service will factor into future budgets.
Retirement of Township Administrator Anthony Mercantante
Longtime administrator Tony Mercantante is retiring after 40-plus years; Tim Cunningham, a former state Division of Local Government Services director and municipal administrator, takes over October 1.
Real property auction outcomes
The township accepted a $640,000 bid for the Route 36/Wilson parcel, rejected a too-low Monmouth Hills bid, and will re-bid Hegel Place on October 8 after the top bidder failed to meet requirements.
Stop-loss insurance cost increase
The township's stop-loss health coverage contract with Nationwide jumped $641,000 to $2.874 million due to unforeseen circumstances — a cost that flows through the township budget.
Sale of Township-Owned Properties
The Committee considered an ordinance and resolutions authorizing the sale of township-owned properties no longer needed for public purposes, including award of a bid for Block 276, Lot 12, and hiring auction firms to conduct sales.
Third-Quarter Tax Grace Period Extended
Because tax bills were mailed late, you now have until August 18, 2026 to pay third-quarter taxes without interest; late payments still accrue interest from August 1.