April 21, 2020 - The Township’s health department has reported a total of 73 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Township through April 19, 2020. Fourteen cases have been confirmed released from isolation.  Eight deaths have been reported. To protect the privacy of any persons involved, no further information will be released at this time.  

The municipal budget was adopted after a public hearing during last night’s Township Committee meeting. The budget includes a tax rate increase of roughly 1 percent. The 1 percent increase is on municipal taxes, not school taxes which accounted for 72% of the property tax levy in 2019. The average home assessment is about $436,000 and total property taxes were about $11,200 last year. The municipal tax increase will be about $22 per year, bringing the municipal portion of the tax levy to just under $2,000 per home on average. You can look at the breakdown on the upper right of your annual bill to see both the percentage and actual dollars based on your assessment. The regional school district taxes are estimated to increase 1.7% ($63 on average) by their administration and the local school district has discussed a larger increase at their meetings. The school district budgets and tax levies are set by the boards of education for the Washington Township School District and the West Morris Regional High School District. 

Janine Memon Dietz was announced as the winner of the photo contest last night for her picture of the Columbia Trail in Fall. I want to thank my fellow virtual judges Ken Zarouni, Leona Harrington, Geralyn Hickey, and Mary Grant for their assistance. A framed copy of the winning photograph will be hung in the meeting room.

As a reminder, if you’re sick, call your healthcare provider. Call your doctor’s office or hospital FIRST before driving there. If you call 9-1-1 for a true emergency, please cover your face to protect yourself and our first responders. Follow CDC guidelines and stay home as much as possible:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• Avoid handshakes. 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.

• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, use your sleeve (not your hand).

• Get a flu shot to prevent the flu if you have not done so this season. 

• Wear a cloth mask at grocery stores and where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.

Thank you and stay safe,

Mayor Matthew T. Murello