A Year since the dissolution the GTMUA
One year ago, our township officials dissolved the Municipal Utilities Authority (MUA), promising that this move would lead to greater efficiency, increased accountability, and cost savings for taxpayers. The MUA had been operating effectively, maintaining stable rates of approximately $45 per quarter, managing a balanced $5 million budget, and holding a $6 million repair and replacement reserve for future infrastructure needs.
However, at the recent council meeting, the council president acknowledged that there may be a need for capital improvements to our sewer system in the future and raised concerns about where the necessary funding would come from. This raises important questions: If dissolving the MUA was intended to save taxpayers money, why is the township now anticipating potential funding challenges for infrastructure improvements? The MUA had successfully handled these responsibilities with a stable budget and dedicated reserve funds. Has the decision to dissolve the MUA left us without a reliable plan for future maintenance?
The voters have spoken
Compounding these concerns is the fact that, despite an overwhelming 81% of voters rejecting the proposed sale of our sewer system to NJ American Water (NJAW) for $143 million, the council president declined to rule out the possibility of considering another attempt to sell the system in the future. This reluctance to commit to respecting the clear mandate of the voters is troubling and calls into question the township’s commitment to keeping our public assets under local control.
Other towns manage
Many municipalities manage their sewer infrastructure without dissolving their utilities or resorting to asset sales. They do so through responsible financial planning, dedicated maintenance reserves, and sound budgeting practices. The decision to dissolve the MUA — and to absorb its $6 million reserve into the general township budget for short-term “tax relief” — seems to have undermined our ability to plan for future infrastructure needs. Now, the same officials who promised cost savings and efficiency are suggesting that additional funds may be needed, potentially requiring a tax increase.
We are owed transparency
Were we given the full picture when the MUA was dissolved? The promised benefits of dissolution have yet to materialize, and instead, we are left with financial uncertainty and the possibility of higher costs for residents. The community deserves answers and a clear, sustainable plan for maintaining our sewer system that aligns with the best interests of the taxpayers.
We call on our township officials to be transparent about their intentions, to respect the will of the voters, and to develop a fiscally responsible strategy that does not involve selling off our public infrastructure or shifting unexpected financial burdens onto residents. It’s time for our leaders to uphold their duty as financial stewards and provide a path forward that prioritizes the long-term health and stability of our community’s essential services.
Dissolution Application
A link the application submitted that required approval to dissolve the GTMUA can be found HERE.
Note on page 5 our own application states the Township will maintain the SAME functions and service. However, they are now threatening we may no longer get the sewer lateral cleanouts the MUA performed for all residents prior to the dissolution.
