Southampton adopts 2025 budget, approves $5.5M capital bond and PILOT for warehouse redevelopment

The Southampton Township Committee adopted its 2025 municipal budget and several related capital funding measures at a regular meeting on April 15.

The Committee voted unanimously to approve Resolution 2025‑52 adopting the introduced 2025 budget after a public hearing. Township Administrator Brandon Umba presented a PowerPoint overview of the spending plan and related capital projects. "Making trash pickup more efficient will reduce insurance claims," Umba said in explaining part of the capital plan’s rationale for equipment purchases and service changes. Resident Greg Sobocinski, of 123 Landing Street, testified during the hearing that he did not view brush and trash pickup as a problem and noted he pays roughly $1,500 in municipal taxes for garbage service.

Why it matters: the budget funds routine municipal services and capital investments the township says are necessary to support emergency services, public works and planned redevelopment. The Committee also approved ordinance measures that affect how the township finances and manages those capital projects.

Key approvals and votes - Ordinance 2025‑04, a bond ordinance appropriating $5,500,000 for various capital equipment and improvements and authorizing up to $5,225,000 in bonds or notes, passed on second reading with an affirmative roll-call vote from all members present. Administrator Umba explained the difference between the appropriated total and the bond issuance cap, saying the statutory 5% down reduces the bonding amount. Resident Ramilia Scott had asked for clarification on the two listed amounts. - Ordinance 2025‑03, to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a CAP bank under N.J.S.A. 40A:4‑45.14, passed on second reading with no public comment. - Ordinance 2025‑05, authorizing a financial agreement (PILOT) between the township and DPIF4 NJ 14 Southampton Urban Renewal Entity, LLC, also passed on second reading. Mayor Ronald Heston said the warehouse project would be located behind the Vincentown diner and adjacent liquor-store shopping center. - Ordinance 2025‑06 (first reading), authorizing non‑recourse redevelopment area bonds not to exceed $25,000 for the Dermody Warehouse redevelopment project, was introduced; Administrator Umba said the developer will install a small water tower to satisfy fire‑sprinkler requirements and construct a stormwater basin. A public hearing on Ordinance 2025‑06 is scheduled for May 20, 2025.

Public input and administration responses During the budget hearing several residents raised questions tied to services funded in the budget. Chris Donner of 511 Paige Drive asked whether residents would face fees for bulky-item collection; Umba said the township proposes one scheduled free pickup per month for a limited amount of items and that fees would apply only to dumpster drop-offs. Donner also asked whether worker’s compensation costs would change if public‑works staff no longer hand‑load trash; Umba said the township’s insurance premium is higher when employees perform manual trash collection and discussed the potential efficiencies of mechanical single‑arm trucks.

Next steps: the budget is adopted and the committee scheduled the public hearing for the redevelopment bond ordinance on May 20 where additional project details and public comment will be taken.