Cherry Hill council began its recent meeting by sharing remarks about the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and that country’s war against the terror group Hamas.
“In Cherry Hill, we are dedicated to making our township a welcoming and safe community for everyone, no matter their race, religion, gender, age or ability,” said Councilwoman Michele Golkow. “We stand up against bigotry, bullying and acts of hatred of any kind. We teach our children to act with respect and kindness. This is who we are and why I am proud to represent Cherry Hill.
“Consistent with these values, we must condemn Hamas,” she added, “a terrorist organization rooted in hate and their recent and ongoing acts of barbarism against Israel.”
Golkow’s colleagues echoed her remarks, with several calling Oct. 7 Israel’s 9/11. The councilwoman noted that “more Jews were killed that day than any day since the Holocaust.”
In her comments, Mayor Susan Shin Angulo shared those sentiments and stood in solidarity with Israel.
The mayor also elaborated on the introduction of the 2024 fiscal year budget, introduced on first reading. For the 12th consecutive year, there will be no increase in the municipal tax rate.
The full budget has been shared online and there will be a public hearing at council’s next meeting on Monday, Nov. 13. (The meeting scheduled for Oct. 23 was canceled.) Shin Angulo explained that although there is no municipal tax increase, residents may still see a hike in their overall tax bills.
“These increases are often due to other taxing entities like, for instance, the school district, the county, fire district, which the township is responsible for collecting,” she explained. “However, it is important to clarify that these entities formulate their budgets independently of the township.
“The township has been able to maintain a flat municipal tax rate while investing in critical areas such as roads, facilities and services, thanks to the tax revenues generated by our thriving commercial sector, which has continued to grow.”
Some of this year’s budget priorities include investments in roads, public safety, public works and essential public services, according to the mayor. During caucus, Council President David Fleisher also explained an approved resolution that allows the township to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limit and establish a cap bank, something that is done annually, so “to the extent that any future budgets were to exceed cap, this establishes that cap,” he said.
“So really, you’re getting a credit for future use if necessary,” Fleisher added. “We pass this as a matter of housekeeping every year.”
In other news, council also approved a grant application for the 2024 NJDOT Safe Routes to School program that will allow for the construction of sidewalks and the widening of Kresson, Covered Bridge and Brace roads so students can walk and bike to and from school.
The moves were lauded by Councilwoman Carole Roskophe.
“I do appreciate the efforts of the township when they apply for grants to help with those sorts of things,” she noted. “That’s what allows us to keep our budget flat, because our staff is so great at going out and looking at other sources for funding to get those services we need.”
Shin Angulo also acknowledged October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and LGBTQ History Month.
The next council meeting will be on Monday, Nov. 13, at 7:30 p.m.
