Keith Gibbons has consistently avoided promising to lower your taxes, recognizing the significant financial challenges the current administration is poised to leave behind. The same administration, which pursued the sale of sewer services, appears to have contributed to a troubling financial situation in Gloucester Township. Reports indicate delays in contractual payments reimbursing former township employees for Medicare Part B, and ongoing negotiations suggest the police department (who is working without a contract for almost a year) is facing budget constraints. This raises serious concerns about fiscal management. The United for Change campaign, led by Keith Gibbons, aims to bring transparency to this issue and explore constructive solutions, especially as the property tax levy has risen 93.1% from $32.0 million in 2009 to $61.8 million in 2025, with an estimated $80 million in debt looming as a future burden.
The Weight of the Current Financial Mess
The tax levy’s sharp rise reflects more than just economic trends:
- Inflation and Rising Costs: From 2009 to 2025, New Jersey’s cost of living increased by about 45.6%, per the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Adjusting the 2009 levy of $32.0 million for inflation points to a 2025 figure of around $46.6 million—well short of the current $61.8 million.
- New Construction Impact: New housing, if in line with New Jersey’s average growth, has grown the tax base by roughly 11.9% since 2009, potentially adding about $3.8 million to the levy. Combined with inflation, this suggests an expected levy of around $52.1 million, leaving a $9.7 million gap with the actual amount.
- Excessive and Early Borrowing: The township’s reliance on taking on more debt than needed and borrowing funds before projects begin has piled on interest costs, straining the budget without clear oversight.
- Election-Year Timing: Taxes have stayed flat in odd-numbered election years (e.g., 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025), only to jump in non-election years, hinting at decisions driven by politics rather than sound finance.
The $80 Million Debt Burden
The current administration’s financial missteps have left Gloucester Township with an estimated $80 million in debt. This debt service—payments for principal and interest—is expected to weigh on future budgets, ensuring higher taxes for years to come. The attempt to sell sewer services to the company Mayer works for and delays in retired public employee payments underscore the depth of this crisis, leaving residents to pick up the pieces. To the tune of about $9M a year. Equivalent to a minimum payment on the Township’s Credit Card.
A Transparent Path with Keith Gibbons
Keith Gibbons recognizes the challenges ahead and offers a commitment to openness and accountability:
- Prudent Borrowing Practices: Gibbons will focus on aligning borrowing with actual project needs and timelines, aiming to ease the interest burden that affects taxpayers.
- Clear Financial Insight: Gibbons will ensure budget details are accessible, giving residents a window into how funds are managed and where adjustments are needed.
- Fair Contracting Standards: By seeking competitive bids for the lowest pricing and steering clear of vendors tied to pay-to-play practices—as detailed in our analysis at https://gibbonsformayor.com/team-mayer-pacs-donors/—Gibbons will prioritize cost-conscious decisions.
- Steady Budget Planning: Gibbons will work toward consistent financial strategies, addressing the pattern of flat taxes in election years followed by increases in non-election years to promote fairnes
A Call to Action
Vote Column 5 for Change!
The 93.1% tax increase since 2009, compounded by $80 million in debt, paints a troubling picture of the current administration’s stewardship. Keith Gibbons and the United for Change campaign aim to shine a light on this reality, offering a chance to rethink Gloucester Township’s financial future. Residents deserve to understand the full scope of their tax burden.
To learn more about how $3.3 million in campaign donations linked to local contracts, visit [THE LINK TO DONATION DATA].
On the flip side, the United For Change Team is seeking donations from residents to fund their campaign. Not pay-to-play vendors. To Make a Donation please [VISIT THIS LINK]. Every dollar helps!
Vote Keith Gibbons for Mayor and the United For Change Council Members in November 2025, Column 5, to support transparency and a fresh perspective.
Together, we can face these challenges head-on.
