2023 Township of Randolph Budget Adopted

Posted: April 20, 2023

The township council unanimously adopted a 2023 budget at its April 20, 2023 meeting, maintaining its mission statement to provide effective governance, enhanced customer services and excellent community facilities through careful financial management and conservative long-term fiscal planning.

The $34.8 million 2023 budget represents a 0.34% increase, $116,882, from the adopted 2022 budget. The 2023 budget maintains and sustains programs and services and addresses significant dollar increases in capital improvements, statutory expenditures (pensions and social security), recycling, insurance (liability, workers’ compensation and health) and solid waste collection.

The 2023 budget maintains, and in some areas increases, current service levels and maintains a prudent level of fund balance in order to avoid potential spikes in future tax rates.

Significant changes in 2023 budget include:

Recycling and solid waste collection - the township will realize a “negative” rebate for the disposal of paper and plastic in 2023 and increased costs for solid waste and leaf disposal. In 2022, the township saw the curbside collection of 2,938 tons of mixed recyclables, an increase of 18% over 2021.
Capital improvements - funding increase is necessary to address historic rates of inflation and the need to maintain and preserve township assets.
Statutory expenditures - pension obligations have increased this year at a blended rate of 10.5%.
Insurance - Cost avoidance was realized through the township’s participation in the Morris County Municipal Joint Insurance Fund (MCJIF), overall insurance costs increased.

Planned 2023 projects include capital outlay for building & grounds, rescue squad, fleet, parks and fire department:

Water and Sewer - Den Brook Pump Station updates, water system pressure analysis, Birchwood hydrant installation, replacement of flow meters. The township has over 82 miles of sanitary sewer lines and force mains, 10 sanitary sewer pumping stations, 145 miles of potable water lines and 1,000 fire hydrants.
Parks, Recreation & Community Services - Freedom Park lighting replacements and field improvements, Brundage Park lighting and restroom improvements. Funding for additional youth programs, day camp and teen camp. In addition to maintaining the parks system, crews are responsible for maintaining Randolph trails, a 16-mile course traversing five parks and recreation programs, youth programs and classes that attracted over 29,000 registered participants in 2022.
Public Works - Over $1.1M in road repaving is budgeted. With approximately 152 miles of roadways, 2,200 drainage inlets, 150 storm water outfalls and 100 miles of storm drains, roadway maintenance and improvement remain a township priority.
Public Safety - Police department vehicle replacements, reaccreditation through the NJ State Chiefs Association, FBI-LEEDA (Law Enforcement Executive Development Association) training and purchase of Driving While Intoxicated instrument. Funding for maintenance and replacement of equipment for Bureau of Fire Prevention and Department of Health and Code Enforcement.

Impact to Tax Rate
The 2023 budget represents an annual increase of $89.99, or $7.50 per month, for the average assessed home of $490,367.