Montgomery Committee Hears Financial, Community Updates at July 17 Meeting
Nicholas Mistretta
The Montgomery Township Committee met Thursday evening for its regular meeting, where Chief Financial Officer Michael Pitts delivered the township’s second-quarter financial report and Business Administrator Lori Savron provided key updates on community programs and infrastructure projects.
Strong Financial Health and Transparency
CFO Michael Pitts began his report by noting that the township budget was passed on May 1, with a municipal tax rate set at 0.480. Property owners can expect a modest increase of 1.82% on their tax bills this year. Pitts assured the Committee and residents that “revenues are where we expected them to be,” citing an encouraging $134,889 year-to-date increase in construction code fees and permit activity—an indicator of local economic vibrancy.
Property tax collection remains robust, with 99.43% of billed taxes already collected. Pitts reported that budget appropriations are in line with projections and spending is on track.
Due to the timing of the county tax rate certification, third-quarter tax bills will be delayed by approximately 10 to 14 days. To accommodate residents, the township will extend the grace period for third-quarter payments until August 28.
Pitts also presented a breakdown of the township’s 2025 tax allocation:
- 66.91%: Montgomery Township School District
- 13.75%: Municipal operations
- 13.47%: Somerset County
- 1.81%: County library system
- 1.49%: Fire district
- 1.43%: County open space
- 1.15%: Municipal open space
The 2024 municipal audit was completed by the independent firm Suplee, Clooney and Co., with a clean report. Pitts proudly noted that there were “no material misstatements, no significant deficiencies, and no compliance issues,” qualifying the township as a “low-risk auditee.” The findings reflect well on the township’s financial stewardship and commitment to transparency.
Community Updates: From Summer Camp to Purple Hearts
Business Administrator Lori Savron provided an overview of several community initiatives. Montgomery’s summer camp is in full swing with 250 campers and 20 counselors participating. Savron said the program is “going well,” offering families meaningful programming during the summer break.
The much-anticipated upgrade to the Broadway cricket pitch is set to begin shortly and is expected to take 3–4 weeks. Once complete, the concrete pitch will be open to township residents on Saturday afternoons and all day Sundays for reservation.
In other recreation updates, Savron said materials are still pending for the drainage system of the township’s inclusive playground project, delaying its completion slightly.
The township food pantry has seen a slight uptick in use, now serving 52 families—a number expected to increase with the upcoming closure of the Elks food pantry in September. To help bolster volunteer support, the township has reached out to Lisa Youngberg, one of the original founders of Montgomery’s pantry, to help reactivate and expand the volunteer network.
On the senior services front, the county is currently seeking a new manager for the senior center following the departure of Denise Crowley. Savron, along with Township Recreation Director John Groeger, is participating in the interview process, and hope to name a replacement soon.
Savron highlighted the Montgomery Veterans Committee’s plans to honor Montgomery residents in observance of Purple Heart Day on August 7. Residents who are Purple Heart recipients—or have an immediate family member who is—are encouraged to contact Township Clerk Lisa Fania to be included in the recognition ceremony.
Finally, the county is continuing its study of the Griggstown Causeway Bridge and is leaning toward installing a traffic signal as the most viable solution to improve safety and traffic flow. Other potential upgrades have been challenged by environmental concerns, particularly the area’s wetlands and state park designations. No final decisions have been made.
Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com