Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Pennsauken public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
15 issues in taxes budget
Veteran Tax Exemptions and Refunds
A new policy makes the township cancel taxes effective from the exemption date when a totally disabled veteran's application is approved, giving qualifying veterans their full relief.
2026 Municipal Budget Amendment
The township approved letting its 2026 budget grow up to 3% instead of the state's 2% cap, banking the difference for future years. It gives Pennsauken more room to fund services without an immediate tax bill decision.
Estimated tax bills for third quarter 2026
Because the 2026 budget is late, the township will mail estimated tax bills for the third quarter. The anticipated general tax rate is $2.364 per $100 of assessed value — about 4% above last year's levy.
2026 Municipal and Solid Waste Budgets Introduced
Public Works reported the township's trash hauler is dealing with broken machinery at the Camden incinerator, causing pickup delays while Seaside Waste works around the problem.
Lawn maintenance contractor change
Yellowstone Landscape flunked out — leaving clippings, missing areas, even mowing over trash — and never signed its $65,768.80 contract. Second-lowest bidder Maple Leaf Lawncare ($80,775) now takes over township lawn care.
Payroll services renewal (PrimePoint LLC)
The township locked in another year of PrimePoint payroll processing under its seven-year contract — up to $95,000 for the year.
Escrow refunds to applicants
The township is returning about $11,264 in planning and zoning escrows to eight applicants, plus a $500 street-opening deposit to HAH Development for completed road repair work on Waldorf Avenue.
2026 Municipal Service Contracts
The consent agenda locks in year contracts for landscaping materials, dumpster services, lawn maintenance, concrete repairs and storm drain repairs — the routine work that keeps parks, roads and cleanup services running.
Purchasing thresholds raised
With a certified purchasing agent on board, the township raised its no-bid quote threshold to $7,950 and bid threshold to $53,000 for 2026, letting staff handle smaller purchases without full committee bidding.
2026 Temporary Appropriations
The Committee moved $505,000 between 2025 budget reserves to pay bills that arrived without purchase orders late in the year, and passed emergency temporary appropriations to keep the township funded until the full 2026 budget is adopted. This is standard year-end cleanup, not new spending.
$850,000 Federal Grant for Public Works Facility
Congressman Norcross secured $850,000 in community project funding to renovate and improve the public works facility — safer equipment storage and better conditions for the crews who plow streets and respond during storms.
Culture Transformation Contract with DillonMarcus
The township is spending up to $75,000 on a year-long internal culture program for township employees through a Cherry Hill firm, awarded without competitive bidding as a unique professional service.
2026 Country Club fees set; course revenue offsets taxes
The township set all golf course prices for the 2026-27 season — memberships run $1,389 for residents versus $3,500 for non-residents, and greens fees range from $41 to $68 in season. Rates can swing up to 20% daily under dynamic pricing, so the posted price isn't always the price you'll pay.
CFO Reappointment with Tenure
Elizabeth Peddicord was reappointed as Chief Financial Officer and granted tenure after her four-year term, meaning she can only be removed for good cause after a hearing.
CY 2026 budget cap bank
The township is reserving the right to spend up to 3% more than last year's budget instead of the state's default 2% cap — banking about $418,000 in flexibility it can use over the next two budget years if needed.