Council advances resolution to explore returning Toms River animal shelter to municipal control amid heated public debate

The Toms River Township Council moved a resolution on Jan. 7 to advance consideration of ending the shared‑services agreement with Ocean County and exploring reopening the municipal animal shelter. The motion to move Resolution G passed in a roll‑call vote: Council Vice President Nieveson, Councilman Bradley, Councilman Bianchini and Council President Zicozzi voted yes; Councilmen Coleman and Aber and Councilwoman O'Toole voted no.

The resolution’s sponsor said the measure would return governance, oversight and accountability to the township, where many residents want the shelter reopened. "Maintaining township control ensures alignment with local priorities," the sponsor said during the debate.

Public comment lasted more than an hour and included volunteers, former shelter staff and residents who described the shelter as a community institution. Speakers supporting municipal control said the building was paid for with township funds, local volunteers and rescues provided services such as spay/neuter clinics and food distribution, and that donated funds (speakers referenced roughly $1 million in bequests/donations) could cover some renovations. Multiple volunteers and former staff urged reopening, citing continuity of services for residents and programs for seniors and the homeless.

Opponents and the administration highlighted legal and financial constraints. County and engineering figures were cited during debate indicating that comprehensive renovations — including dog runs, ventilation and major mechanical work — had bids in the $3 million to $6 million range. The town attorney and others advised that a resolution alone would not necessarily reassign operational control and that terminating or reversing an existing shared‑services agreement could trigger repayment or other contractual obligations; the attorney also noted a lease and other paperwork related to the county arrangement. Several council members recommended meeting with county officials to clarify the scope, timeline, and any potential reimbursement obligations before committing to reopening.

On staffing and costs, council discussion included estimates that reopening the municipal shelter could cost between about $475,000 a year (one figure cited) and roughly $1 million annually, depending on staffing levels and services; multiple public speakers and council members suggested partnering with nonprofits or a private operator to reduce municipal cost exposure.

The council’s vote to move the resolution forward advances the issue to the next steps of council consideration; it does not by itself terminate the shared‑services agreement. The sponsor said the resolution reflects resident petitions and long‑standing local interest in municipal shelter services; the administration and town attorney urged caution and recommended legal and fiscal review of contracts and bids.

What’s next: Because the council moved the resolution forward, staff and counsel will be expected to collect contract language, bid packages, and cost estimates for subsequent deliberations. Several council members also asked to invite county officials to present project plans and timelines at a future meeting so the council and public can evaluate alternatives.

Provenance: public testimony and council discussion on Jan. 7, 2026.