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Vol. 4 – No. 29 ♦
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March 28, 2020 – April 3, 2020
‘WE ARE AT WAR’
Tabernacle Faces Modest Tax Increase to Cover Debt Service and Rise in Costs By Michael Garofalo Staff Writer
Photo By Tim MacDonald
A long line of people wait to enter the Costco store in Manahawkin on March 20 after the store curtailed the number of shoppers who could enter the store at one time in order to follow social distancing guidelines issued by the CDC.
Governor Phil Murphy Issues ‘Stay at Home’ Directive as COVID-19 Pandemic Spreads to All 21 NJ Counties, President Trump Declares Virus ‘Tough Enemy, Killer’ But ‘U.S. Will Win with as Few Lives Lost as Possible’ By Douglas D. Melegari Staff Writer
MEDFORD—Increasing cases statewide of the deadly and highly-contagious Novel Coronavir us, COVID-19, resulted in Democratic Governor Phil Murphy signing an executive order last Saturday directing all residents to stay at home until further notice, except to obtain essential goods or services, seek medical attention, visit family or close friends, report to work, or engage in outdoor activities (that isn’t a gathering of any kind). The governor, as he announced the March 21 decree, which further tightened social distancing restrictions he had placed on residents and businesses nearly two weeks ago, declared that “we are at war,” as Republican President Donald J. Trump made the same declaration at March 21 and 22 press conferences. “I want to assure the American people that we are doing everything we can each day to confront and ultimately defeat this horrible, invisible enemy,” Trump said. “In a true sense, we are at war and we are fighting an invisible enemy.” Coronavirus, previously declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) after originating last year from Wuhan, China and now spreading to at least 144 countries, according to Trump, took an increasing toll on the U.S. this week, with over 65,000 reported positive cases and 900 plus reported deaths as of press time, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“We are going to win with as few lives lost as possible,” Trump said. “That is the game. It is a tough enemy. It is a tough killer— far bigger and far more vicious than ever before.” As of press time, New Jersey was in the top-three category for positive Coronavirus cases in the U.S., with over 4,000 positive cases reported statewide. 62 deaths in the state, as of press time, have been attributed to the disease, including at least three in Burlington County. “Stay in everybody,” Murphy said. “Please stay home unless you absolutely need to go out. Stay safe, stay smart and let’s stay compassionate to one another. It is our New Jersey values that will get us through this emergency, and will make us stronger when we emerge from it.” Murphy’s March 21 executive order, which will remain in effect indefinitely, directed the closure of all non-essential retail businesses to the public, whereas previously some could remain open during the public health emergency if they limited occupancy to less than 50 individuals. A list of essential retail businesses, which can be modified at any time by the superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, include gas stations, convenience stores, ancillary stores within healthcare facilities, hardware and home improvement stores, banks and other financial institutions, laundromats and dry-cleaning services, stores that principally sell supplies for children under five years, pet stores, liquor
stores, car dealerships (but only for auto maintenance and repair), printing and office supply shops and mail and delivery stores. “From day one, we have made a commitment to be guided by the facts and take any action necessary to protect the health and safety of New Jersey’s nine million residents,” Murphy said. “We know the virus spreads through person-to person contact, and the best way to prevent further exposure is to limit our public interactions to only the most essential purposes. This is a time for us all to come together in one mission to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow – and eventually halt – the spread of Coronavirus.” The March 21 executive order also prohibits all gatherings of individuals, such as parties, celebrations, or other social events, unless otherwise authorized by the order. Previously, during the emergency, Murphy allowed social gatherings of 50 or less people. When in public, individuals must practice social distancing and stay at least 6 feet apart whenever possible, excluding immediate family members, caretakers, household members or romantic partners. Nothing in the March 21 executive order, according to the governor, shall limit the provision of health care or medical services; access to essential services for low-income residents, such as food banks; the operations of the media; law enforcement agencies or the operations of the federal government. See WAR/ Page 6
TABERNACLE—Residents of Tabernacle Township could face a modest municipal tax increase upon passage of this year’s proposed township budget, according to preliminary figures outlined by the township’s chief financial officer at a March 9 Tabernacle Township Committee workshop meeting. Tabernacle Chief Financial Officer Rodney Haines presented a proposed 2020 municipal operating budget of $5,222,540.40 that contemplates a property tax increase of three cents per $100 of valuation. According to Haines, for a township home valued at $260,000, a three-cent hike would translate to a roughly $78 annual tax increase. Each cent represents roughly $66,000 in additional municipal revenue, he said. Haines told township committee members that two cents of the proposed three-cent increase would be allocated to municipal debt service. Haines recommended last year that the township committee approve a four-cent increase to cover municipal debt service. However, the governing body instead approved an increase of two cents, Haines said. Two cents of the three-cent increase proposed by Haines this year will be directed toward the township’s debt obligations. The remaining penny is necessary, he said, to fund increased operational costs for court operations, public works and engineering. Haines explained that the township’s court costs will increase this year due to Tabernacle’s shared service agreement with Woodland Township for municipal court services, which was only in place for half of 2019. The budget proposal includes roughly $160,000 that is allocated for engineering—a $20,000 increase over last year’s spending. The increase is necessary, Haines contended, to pay for engineering costs related to road projects for which the township was awarded grants by the state Department of Transportation. The proposed budget also includes $135,000 for the purchasing of equipment for the Public Works Department. The township hopes to replace a 1998 pickup truck and purchase an aerial lift body for the department’s hook lift truck, which would be used to trim back trees overhanging township roads, Township Administrator Douglas Cramer said. Some of the potential tax burden could be offset by additional funding that Pinelands municipalities might receive this year through the state’s Open Space Payments In Lieu See TAX/ Page 3
INDEX COVID-19 Information... 7
Here’s My Card............ 12
Events........................... 3
Job Board.................... 14
Games......................... 10
Local News.................... 2
Marketplace................. 14
Worship Guide..............11
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