Waterford Township Governing Body

2025 Year-End Accomplishments Report

Executive Summary

In 2025, the Township continued to demonstrate strong governance, fiscal responsibility, and strategic investment in community infrastructure. Major initiatives focused on modernizing operations, improving public facilities, expanding recreational opportunities, and securing outside funding to reduce reliance on local tax revenues.

Key accomplishments included the expansion of digital resident services, administrative and facility renovations, and significant investments in roads, parks, and municipal equipment. The Public Works Department completed critical roadway projects, modernized its fleet, and enhanced recreational and senior facilities throughout the Township.

The Township Committee successfully negotiated and settled collective bargaining agreements with the Police Department, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and the Department of Public Works Superintendent for the contract term covering 2026 through 2030. In addition, the Township Committee transitioned from the New Jersey State Health Benefits Program to the NJHIF Aetna benefits plan, resulting in approximately $250,000 in cost savings.

A major fiscal achievement in 2025 was the successful securing of $889,433.69 in grant funding, supporting public safety, infrastructure, recreation, environmental programs, and social services.

Additionally, the Township advanced strategic economic development initiatives, most notably the PNK Warehouse Project, which is projected to generate approximately $12 million in new tax revenue over the next 20 years. This project strengthens the Township’s long-term tax base, supports fiscal stability, and helps offset future municipal costs without increasing the tax burden on residents.

Together, these efforts position the Township for continued growth, service improvements, and responsible fiscal management heading into 2026.

Administration & Governance

• Expanded digital resident services, including online permitting and improved bill payment systems, enhancing accessibility and operational efficiency.
• Updated personnel policies, the Township Employee Handbook, and administrative procedures to ensure compliance and consistency across departments.
• Camden County Allocated $2,000,000,00 for the restoration of Atco Lake.
• The Township received a $230,000 stipend from the Garden State Trust Fund related to Pinelands Credits.
• Completed administrative office renovations to improve workflow, service delivery, and interdepartmental coordination.
• Established a Township Conference Room equipped for remote meetings and staff training, supporting modern governance practices.
• Improved transparency and fiscal efficiency by transitioning to one regular governing body meeting per month, with special meetings scheduled as necessary.
• Township Committee worked with Senator Moriarty on legislature for the recovering od traffic fines

Public Works Department

Roads & Infrastructure

• Completed all projects included in the Waterford Road Improvement list.
• Resurfaced Stevens Avenue and Church Street, improving roadway conditions and safety.
• Restriped multiple township parking lots to enhance traffic flow and accessibility.
• Purchased a new line-striping machine, reducing reliance on outside contractors and generating long-term cost savings.

Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities

• Completed installation of pickleball courts and a hockey rink at Waterford Field, expanding recreational offerings for all age groups.
• Replaced basketball hoops and nets at Thomas Richards Park.
• Repainted the Ritter Field comfort station and concession stand.
• Installed new batting cages at Ritter Field.
• Installed two new playgrounds at the Waterford Recreation Complex.

Senior Citizen Center

• Painted the senior citizen building, installed televisions, charging stations, refrigerator and electronic Bingo board through a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
• Replaced outdated carpeting with durable Allure flooring.
• Replaced concrete parking blocks with Hi-Visibility yellow parking blocks for senior safety.

Township Facility Improvements

• Installed Allure flooring in Township Offices and the DPW Administrative Building.
• Remodeled the DPW Administrative Building bathroom.
• Renovated the Committee Office, Finance Office, and created a Township Conference Room.

Fleet & Equipment Investments

• Purchased a new street sweeper.
• Acquired a Kenworth dump truck with tailgate spreader and 12-foot plow.
• Added a Ford F-450 dump truck.
• Installed a new hydraulic lift in the DPW garage.
• Installed a new gas heating system in the DPW garage to improve efficiency and reliability.

Finance & Grants

Grant Funding Secured in 2025

Through coordinated efforts, the Township secured over $900,000 in grant funding, supporting public safety, infrastructure, recreation, environmental initiatives, and social services.

Public Safety & Enforcement

• Safe & Secure Communities — $52,977.08
• Distracted Driving Crackdown — $7,000
• Pedestrian Safety — $13,650
• Highway Safety Restraint — $7,000
• Pedestrian Enforcement — $20,000
• Body Armor Replacement — $1,909
• Emergency Management — $20,000

Community & Environmental

• Clean Communities — $69,402.29
• Recycling Tonnage — $24,321.90
• Wildfire Risk Reduction — $4,200

Recreation & Facilities

• Camden County Recreational Facility Improvement Grant (2025) — $25,000
• Camden County Recreational Facility Grant (2024, utilized in 2025) — $25,000
• Solar Improvement Grant — $400,000

Health & Social Services

• Alcohol Education & Rehabilitation Fund — $3,096.17
• Opioid Settlement Fund — $68,384.25
• Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program — $547

Infrastructure

• NJDOT Local Aid Grant — $146,946

Planning, Zoning & Economic Development

• Supported residential and commercial development applications.
• Streamlined review and approval processes.
• Pro-active redevelopment efforts, particularly Haines Blvd redevelopment zone to promote responsible growth.

Community Engagement

• Expanded community events and senior programming.
• Increased resident communication through social media and the township website.
• Strengthened volunteer involvement and community partnerships.

Looking Ahead to 2026

• Continued investment in infrastructure and roadway improvements.
• Ongoing modernization of township facilities and technology.
• Expansion of recreational amenities.
• Continued focus on public safety initiatives and grant opportunities.