Message from Josh Losardo | February 15, 2024
Last week, my colleagues and I held the 2024 Budget Workshop. This public meeting provided another important opportunity for the governing body and residents to hear directly from the leaders of the town’s various departments about budgetary needs in the upcoming fiscal year.
As always, my colleagues and I will be working with the Town Manager to develop a municipal budget based on priorities.
Below is a snapshot of what has been discussed, thus far. At the workshop as always, we look forward to input from as many Scotch Plains residents as possible to ensure the budget priorities are consistent with our community’s focus.
Department of Public Works (DPW): Our DPW is seeking new vehicles to further facilitate the expedited removal of leaves, tree branches, snow, etc., as well as an asphalt roller to aid in the repaving streets as needed. Over the past few years, we have added new personnel to our DPW to improve service to you. This new equipment is consistent with that pledge.
Scotch Plains Fire Department (SPFD): Our firefighters need new vehicles and equipment, including fire hoses and nozzles, to replace equipment that is more than 15 years old. Equipment for the new Scotch Plains Ambulance service is sought as well. SPFD also wants to improve the Southside Fire Station for an ambulance to be stationed there, ensuring quicker response time in that area of town. We started the new SPFD ambulance service last year to compliment services offered by our Scotch Plains Rescue Squad. SPFD is also seeking grants to offset costs, which I very much appreciate.
Engineering: Plans include repaving all of Cooper Road, as well as other streets in town that are in most need. Our DPW maintains a priority list and strives to repave as many streets as possible year after year. Township dollars are supplemented by NJ DOT and Union County grants. Last year, Montague Avenue, Union Avenue, Scotland Street, Redwood Road, Lincoln Avenue, Jefferson Avenue, Balmoral Lane and Essex Road were paved and improved.
Scotch Plains Police Department (SPPD): Our Police Department has requested funding to provide our officers with new equipment to further reduce crime. Intersection cameras, for example, have been requested that would assist SPPD during crimes involving vehicles. Chief Jeff Briel also seeks funding to install additional video telecommunication equipment in town parks. Finally, SPPD seeks funds for new traffic calming equipment that alerts speeding drivers and keeps our streets safe.
Administration: The restoration and maintenance or our historic Shady Rest Golf and Country Club clubhouse will continue in 2024 with grants secured to offset the cost. The clubhouse, where Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington once played, is one of the Township’s great historic properties which is listed on the National and State registers. Funding is also sought for IT and municipal television upgrades.
Recreation Commission and Department: The Recreation Commission and Department have requested funding for Kramer Manor and Haven Parks. At Kramer Manor, the Commission seeks funds to resurface both the basketball and the seven tennis courts. At Haven Park we will enhance landscaping, renovate the existing basketball court and replace the broken park fence. Funding is also sought to permanently convert the temporary pickleball courts at Brookside Park.
In summary:
Prioritizing the town’s great needs is always a challenge. Scotch Plains must remain an affordable community, yet we also want municipal services and facilities to be superior in every way. The Township proudly maintains a Triple A Bond rating, which is very rare in government and reflects our strong leadership and financial management. Since 2015, the municipal portion of your property taxes has only increased by an average 1% each year and is limited to less than 15% of your total tax bill (among the lowest percentage in the entire state of NJ).
The Township does an extraordinary job keeping taxes low. But, as your Mayor and fellow taxpayer, I can assure you that we consistently look for ways to further improve and use all taxpayers dollars wisely.
Please consider sharing your thoughts and/or questions about our 2024 Budget by emailing me directly at
