TOMS RIVER, N.J. — Toms River residents will see no increase in their municipal property taxes this year, Mayor Dan Rodrick announced, marking the second consecutive year of a 0% tax hike under his administration.
Rodrick said the 2025 municipal budget keeps spending flat and reduces overall township expenses through significant payroll cuts and the elimination of positions deemed unnecessary at town hall. The move comes amid rising concerns over inflation and cost-of-living pressures for local families.
Key Points
- Toms River’s 2025 municipal budget includes a 0% property tax increase for the second year
- Payroll costs have dropped from $55.8 million to $50.3 million under Mayor Rodrick
- No municipal service reductions reported; EMS coverage on the barrier island expanded
Payroll slashed by over $5 million
Since taking office, Rodrick has reduced township payroll expenses by $5.5 million, attributing the savings to the removal of roles he said were created by past administrations for political patronage. “Anything that was unnecessary that we deemed to be unnecessary, we eliminated,” Rodrick said.
He emphasized that no essential municipal services have been cut as a result. The police department maintained patrol staffing levels, and eight new EMS officers were hired, expanding ambulance service, particularly on the barrier island.
“We were doing D.O.G.E before doge was cool,” Rodrick quipped during his remarks, referring to the administration’s early commitment to streamlining government.
Rodrick, the only current candidate in the mayoral race, credited cost-cutting as a key strategy to provide residents with financial relief. “Nobody in government is giving the people the relief and breathing room they need,” he said.
Cuts draw both praise and pushback
While the tax freeze and spending reductions have been welcomed by many residents, some have expressed concern about the long-term effects of staff cuts. Rodrick acknowledged the criticism, saying, “Many of these jobs were created… to give a well-connected political friend or family member a job… I am the first mayor to actually do it.”
He said the cuts target inefficiencies and legacy staffing practices going back decades, insisting the changes are necessary to modernize and reduce the cost of local government.
Rodrick noted that although municipal property taxes are frozen, residents’ overall tax bills may still fluctuate due to school and county tax components, which are set by separate governing bodies.
Looking ahead to long-term budget planning
The administration says it will continue reviewing municipal operations for further cost-saving opportunities. Departments have been instructed to operate under tighter budgets, and no additional service reductions are anticipated.
Rodrick said his office will monitor the impact of the cuts throughout the year to ensure that core services remain unaffected while financial efficiency is maintained.
Toms River freezes property taxes for 2025 as mayor touts major cost cuts and service expansion.