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Maple Shade scores 41.5 on state best-practices inventory, secures $1.7M in state aid
Summary
Town staff reported that Maple Shade scored 41.5 on the state's annual best-practices inventory — above the 32-point threshold — ensuring 100% of state aid for the township this year, roughly $1.7 million, and thanked staff for cross-department collaboration.
Maple Shade Township — At its Nov. 20 meeting the Maple Shade Township Council heard a presentation on the annual state "best practices" inventory, a questionnaire required to maintain municipal eligibility for certain state aid.
Presenter Jess summarized the survey structure (70 questions: 50 scored, 20 unscored), explained that scored items include statutory core competencies and discretionary best practices, and announced that Maple Shade scored 41.5 points. "A municipality has to obtain a minimum score of 32 points to receive its full state aid. Maple Shade scored 41.5 points. So, we will be receiving 100% of our state aid this year, which is $1.7 million," the presenter said.
Jess credited interdepartmental collaboration — including finance, department heads and staff — for completing the survey and said the process highlighted opportunities for operational improvements in affordable housing, procurement and transparency. Council thanked staff for the work.
Township officials noted that completion and maintenance of written policies and documentation were central to the score and that some checklist items are data collection for state oversight and technical assistance. The council and managers said they will continue reviewing internal controls and policies to sustain full state aid eligibility.
The presentation concluded with praise for staff who compiled the inventory and a reminder that periodic updates and policy work are ongoing to preserve the township's eligibility for state funding.
