Oldmans Township Committee adopts multiple ordinances and resolutions; introduces 2026 budget with one‑cent tax increase

The Oldmans Township Committee voted April 8 to adopt several ordinances and approve a slate of administrative resolutions, and it introduced the 2026 municipal budget, which includes a one‑cent increase in the local tax rate.

The meeting record shows Committeemember Brian Porch moved to adopt Ordinance 2026‑04 amending Chapter 160 (snow removal and parking) and Ordinance 2026‑05 amending Chapter 111 (land‑use compliance for affordable housing). Solicitor Linwood Donelson advised the committee that adoption of the land‑use ordinance was required to meet state planning coordination; the ordinances passed on roll call votes recorded as all in favor.

During the public comment period for Ordinance 2026‑06 (a CAP ordinance permitting the municipality to exceed budget appropriation limits), resident Brian Bilecki expressed concern that the increase could exceed cost‑of‑living adjustments. Chief Financial Officer Diane Elwell responded that the CAP ordinance provides flexibility and that unused CAP may be banked for future years. The committee adopted Ordinance 2026‑06 on a unanimous roll call.

Ordinance 2026‑07, which establishes salaries for township employees for 2026, was adopted after a motion by Committeemember Brian Porch and a second by John Pomponi; the roll call vote recorded one dissent from Dean Sparks and the ordinance carried.

The committee introduced Ordinance 2026‑08, the I‑295 Interchange 7 Redevelopment Plan, describing permitted uses such as warehousing, offices and laboratories and clarifying that data centers are not an included use. The ordinance was introduced by motion, approved for introduction by roll call and set for public hearing on May 13, 2026.

Votes at a glance

- Ordinance 2026‑04 (Amending Chapter 160 – Snow Removal & Parking): Mover — Brian Porch; Second — William Ferrell III; Outcome — adopted (roll call: all in favor). - Ordinance 2026‑05 (Amending Chapter 111 – Land Use, Affordable Housing Compliance): Mover — Brian Porch; Second — William Ferrell III; Outcome — adopted (roll call: all in favor). - Ordinance 2026‑06 (CAP / Exceeding Budget Appropriation Limits): Mover — Brian Porch; Second — John Pomponi; Outcome — adopted (roll call: all in favor). Public concern raised about exceeding cost‑of‑living adjustments; CFO Diane Elwell provided an explanation. - Ordinance 2026‑07 (Establishing Salaries for Township Employees, 2026): Mover — Brian Porch; Second — John Pomponi; Outcome — adopted (roll call: 4 yes, 1 no — Dean Sparks). - Ordinance 2026‑08 (I‑295 Interchange 7 Redevelopment Plan — introduction): Mover — Brian Porch; Second — John Pomponi; Outcome — introduced; public hearing set for May 13, 2026. - Resolution 2026‑73 (Introduction of 2026 Municipal Budget — includes one‑cent tax increase): Mover — Brian Porch; Second — John Pomponi; Outcome — adopted (roll call: all in favor); public hearing scheduled for May. - Resolution 2026‑74 (Authorization of Signatories for Tax Accounts): Outcome — adopted (roll call: all in favor). - Resolution 2026‑75 (Authorization to Purchase Copier Equipment): Outcome — adopted (roll call: all in favor). - Resolution 2026‑76 (Referral of Redevelopment Plan to Planning Board): Outcome — adopted (roll call: all in favor).

The Committee also authorized payment of bills and accepted the March 2026 Tax Collector's Report. Under a separate report, the Tax Collector stated that, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 54:4‑91, no properties had been identified as uncollectible for 2026; the Committee accepted that report unanimously.

What’s next: The public hearing for the introduced budget will occur in May; the redevelopment plan for I‑295 Interchange 7 is scheduled for public hearing on May 13, 2026. Additional ordinance amendments were flagged as possible in response to state planning reviews, per the township solicitor.