Accomplishments
2024 Accomplishments
- Finance and Budget Management
- Worked with CFO to develop a municipal budget reflecting a $0.02 decrease in the tax rate, reinforcing our commitment to fiscal prudence.
- As of November 25, 2024, 96% of anticipated revenues were realized, and 91% of budget appropriations expended, demonstrating robust financial oversight.
- Secured $1.5 million in grants for an inclusive playground and Pickleball Courts at Millcreek Park [Green Acres funds].
- Started phase one of the Performing Arts Center, a reconstruction project to showcase local talent and history.
- Managed multiple road improvement projects, including the IBANK Multi-Road Project (revitalizing 19 streets).
- Secured $3.5 million Kennedy Center upgrades, expanding the senior center and considering library relocation and recreation upgrades.
- Public Works Enhancements
- Launched impactful initiatives, including installing digital speed signs, new garbage and recycling cans, and additional Clean Communities employees and equipment [golf carts].
- Partnered with Rutgers and the Environmental Commission to create a rain garden at JFK, promoting sustainability.
- Upgraded key facilities such as the DPW parking lot repaving [funded by PSE&G], gate, and security systems for operational efficiency and safety.
- Supported community aesthetics with flower beds at JFK, tree planting initiatives, and bench installations at Broido Park.
- Public Safety Improvements
- Established a Traffic Unit within the Willingboro Police Department and hired five new officers, raising the total force to 70 sworn officers.
- Initiated a gunshot detection program through a $99,000 grant, implementing SoundThinking technology to enhance community safety.
- Strengthened the Inspections Department, achieving $1 million in revenue for the second consecutive year.
- Infrastructure and Development Projects
- Delivered timely repairs for critical infrastructure failures, including Pennypacker and Van Sciver sinkholes and outfall repair at Charleston Road.
- Advanced significant drainage and road projects, such as Eagle Lane drainage improvements and Holston Lane rehabilitation.
- Spearheaded the transition to LED street lighting in collaboration with PSE&G, reducing energy costs and environmental impact.
Projects:
- Broido Park Inclusive Playground
- Babbit & Bradford Lane infrastructure failure
- Emergency Sinkhole repair on Pennypacker
- Emergency Sinkhole repair on Van Sciver
- Emergency Outfall repair at 460 Charleston Road
- Stonehaven Lane – Sinkhole repair at manhole
- Eagle Lane Drainage Improvements - commencing
- Flooding remediation at Babbitt Lane and Bradford Lane
- JFK Community Center Improvements
- Sportsman Field Proposal – Lizzy Morris Memorial Field
- Rehabilitating Marshall Lane
- Ordinances and Policies
- Introduced key ordinances to enhance environmental sustainability and resilience, including updates to Floodplain Management, Stormwater Management, and a Tree Replacement Ordinance.
- IT and Operational Innovations
- Implemented time clock upgrades for accuracy, a Visitor Management System at the Senior Center, and enhanced surveillance systems at municipal facilities.
- Launched Map Link, providing residents with easy access to zoning ordinances and property information, streamlining planning processes.
2023 Accomplishments
- Adopted a budget with a zero percent tax increase for the third year.
- The fund balance increased from $11,942,482.31 to $17,532,451.69, a 47% increase. An adequate fund balance can mitigate current or future risks, such as shortfalls and unanticipated expenditures.
- Construction of the Amphitheater was completed. During the summer, the space became home to a Friday night music series.
- The amphitheater was also home to the first Boro En Blanc, the Willingboro version of the popular elegant picnic where participants are clad in white, known as Dîner en Blanc, having been hosted in places like Philadelphia, Atlantic City, Los Angeles, and more.
- Launched the Willingboro Connect app to connect residents with important information, allowing them to quickly report issues to the Township.
- Modified our website for accessing information related to council meetings. Users can stream council meetings directly from the website and access agendas and minutes in a chronologically organized archive.
- The Township coordinated with PSEG’s gas main replacement program, which allowed the Township to complete full road restoration projects on various streets in Willingboro.
- The Township began working with PSEG to transition all the street lighting in Willingboro to LED lights, ensuring safety and energy sufficiency.
- Hosted our first Back to School Wellness Fair, which connected parents and students to vital mental health and prevention resources while providing over 3,000 backpacks and supplies.
- Received $303,000 in grant funding for police programs and initiatives such as ShotSpotter, license plate readers, and youth initiatives.
- The 2023 Citizen Fire Academy, our second class, graduated five participants, while the Youth Fire Academy graduated its largest class with 30 participants.
- 80 Township residents received free Heart-saver CPR/AED training. The Willingboro FIRE & EMS personnel issued the training. The CPA/AED two-year certification card was paid for courtesy of the Willingboro Volunteer Emergency Squad.
- Received a $20,000 grant for recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This grant will help create and provide a pathway for an inclusive recreation system in the community for all abilities.
- The inspections department generated $1,206,381.00 in revenue, including construction permits, fines, and penalties, representing an 11.8% increase from 2022.
2022 Accomplishments
- Adopted a budget with a zero percent tax increase for the second consecutive year while increasing services and the fund balance by 40% to $11,945,482.31.
- Hired four full-time EMTs and one supervising EMT to provide emergency services during the daytime shift, covering seven days a week and expanding our emergency services to increase our emergency response time.
- Four electric vehicle charging stations were installed behind the municipal complex for the convenience of electric vehicle drivers.
- The Township Council approved a phase 1 project to pave a section of Pennypacker Drive and Sunset Road.
- Formally renamed Levitt Parkway to Veterans Parkway to celebrate the veterans who served admirably in the military and reside in Willingboro.
- Purchased new playground equipment for Broido Park and replaced backboards at the country club courts.
- Replaced fencing at Country Club and Pennypacker Pools.
- Welcomed 13 new businesses to the community.
- Repaired 480 potholes.
2021 Accomplishments
- Adopted a budget with a zero-percent tax increase, the first of its kind in many years, and increased the fund balance by 9% to $8,570,589.90.
- The council approved the 2021 – 2026 Strategic Plan, formally establishing the township's goals and objectives.
- Adopted a Cannabis ordinance permitting the cultivation, manufacturing, wholesale, distribution, and retail of cannabis within the Township.
- Invested $2 million in capital spending to support various infrastructure projects, including repairs to the Buckingham Lane, Bolton Lane, and Balfour Lane stormwater culverts.
- Awarded a $467,000 contract for the reconstruction of the Willingboro Amphitheater.
- Replaced a 23-year-old fire apparatus with a new 100-foot ladder truck.
- $335,000 of grants and free equipment were procured for police programs.
