VOTE YES ON THE SEWER SALE
REDUCE PROPERTY TAXES & KEEP SEWER RATES STABLE ✔
SECURE A $233 MILLION INVESTMENT ✔
UPGRADE OLD INFRASTRUCTURE ✔
THE GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP COMMITMENT
Gloucester Township has made the following commitments should the referendum pass.
ELIMINATE ALL TOWNSHIP DEBT
estimated at $64 million, reducing approximately $8 million annually in the budget that is currently used for debt service payments
USE $35 MILLION TO DECREASE AND FREEZE LOCAL PROPERTY TAX RATES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
GUARANTEED CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT FOR ALL SEWER EMPLOYEES WITH THE TOWNSHIP
in the Public Works Dept. with the same pay, benefits and union status currently in place, or the choice to pursue employment with New Jersey American Water, if desired
FREE SEWER LATERAL CLEANOUTS
for all Township residents 24/7, 365 days a year
RECREATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
setting aside $10 –15 million to fund recreational projects for all age groups through an application process
EXPAND SENIOR CITIZENS, ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
POLICE AND FIRST RESPONDERS
funding to be made available for support apparatus and other assistance
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VOTING YES?
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INVESTING IN GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP
New Jersey American Water is committed to investing $233 million in Gloucester Township if voters approve the sale:
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$143 million purchase price to pay off all township debt and reduce and freeze local property taxes.*
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$90 million in infrastructure investments by 2035.
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KEEPING RATES STABLE
Vote yes to ensure the continuity of stable rates under New Jersey American Water, with:
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Five-year rate schedule upon taking ownership, with rates held steady for the first two years and no more than a 9% increase in years 3-5.
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After the first 5 years, customers’ bill will have increased $16.56 annually, or $1.38 per month.
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Rates regulated by the NJ Board of Public Utilities.
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ENSURING CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
Continuation of the current senior discount program for all enrolled residents aged 65+ that are enrolled as of the closing date.
H2O Help to Others Program ™
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Provides emergency grants up to $500 and a discount on the monthly sewer service charge to customers who qualify.
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Payment arrangements and budget billing are also available for customers.
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PROVIDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT & HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE
Based in Camden County about 200 local employees, New Jersey American Water offers high-quality customer service and is committed to the community.
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Monthly billing
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Convenient online and in-person bill-paying options
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24/7 emergency support system to notify customers of issues
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Support of local community organizations through grant opportunities and educational outreach programs.
COMMITMENT TO GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP SEWER EMPLOYEES
New Jersey American Water has committed to offer employment to the 23 existing Sewer System employees.
Employees will be able to:
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Work in the geographic vicinity of Gloucester Township
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Join an industry leader that offers training and career advancement opportunities
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Be part of an inclusive, equitable, and respectful company where employees positively impact and reflect the communities we serve
Hear from former municipal employees who joined New Jersey American Water
STABILIZING RATES FOR THE LONG-TERM
The sale of the sewer system will keep sewer rates stable for the long-term, whether you pay your sewer bill directly or as part of your rent, leading to significant savings for customers. Upon sale of the system, current sewer rates will be held steady for two years, followed by minimal increases of between 3-5% over the next three years, while critical system improvements are made.
YEAR
1
RATE INCREASE
0%
2
0%
3
4
5
5%
2%
2%
At the end of the five years, customers can expect to pay $16.56 more annually, or $1.38 more per month for sewer service while New Jersey American Water invests millions of dollars in Gloucester Township.
In the long-term, customers’ rates will increase modestly every two to three years due to New Jersey American Water’s ability to spread rate increases over its large customer footprint.
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS WILL INCLUDE
The sewer system serves 24 square miles and requires consistent investment to continue delivering reliable service.
Capital improvements will include:
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Replacing aging gravity sewer main, based on an assessment of the system and inflow and infiltration study.
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Replacing pump stations, with priority placed on the stations identified in the Township’s Engineering Report as needing rehabilitation, replacement or relocation.
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Replacing force sewer mains identified as priority projects in the Township’s capital improvement plan to effectively deliver sewage to the regional treatment authority.
ENDORSEMENTS
VOTER RESOURCES
For info on early voting and other ways to vote, visit the Camden County Clerk website.