GT Ecological Center Fees

The solid waste division of the GTMUA was never intended to be sold and was not included in the sale of the sewer system. In my opinion, Tom Cardis (and others involved) have not demonstrated an effective ability to save taxpayers money. Instead, it seems more attention has been paid to bracing taxpayers for increases in their sewer rates or property taxes due the the failed sewer referendum.

When the Mayor and Council proposed dissolving the MUA as a cost-saving measure, the first step should have been evaluating the income sources of the MUA that do not directly affect Gloucester Township taxpayers. This includes the tipping fees paid by other towns to use our facilities for disposing of grass and leaves. Any additional revenue generated by the ecological center could indeed save taxpayers money. Was that not the stated goal?

The last time fees were adjusted was in 2005. Since then, competition in the area has increased significantly, particularly with the County Conservation facility just down the road near Washington Township.

Fees and Competition

Comparing our prices to nearby competitors reveals clear opportunities for adjustment. By increasing rates, we could raise revenue without adding to the township’s appropriations. Every additional dollar earned through the ecological center would directly offset the burden on Gloucester Township taxpayers.

GT’s Revenue and Costs

Take a look at just the solid waste revenue. Then look at the appropriations (which is what costs are called). If we were to adjust our rates, that would add ZERO to our appropriations. It would increase our revenue and every dollar that we take in through the Ecological Center would reduce the dollars required to be imposed onto GT Taxpayers.

Consider the operations at the ecological center. The heavy equipment used to load and unload solid waste runs on diesel fuel, the cost of which has more than doubled since 2005. This alone is a compelling reason to revisit the pricing structure.

Lack of Action

Tom Cardis has had 19 months to address this issue. Despite this, neither he, the Mayor, nor the Council have updated these outdated fees. They testified before the Local Finance Board, claiming the dissolution of the MUA would save taxpayers money. Yet, in nearly two years, they have failed to act on one of the most basic cost-saving opportunities available.

This inaction leaves me with little confidence in their ability to deliver meaningful savings to the residents of Gloucester Township.