Toms River Political Pulse

• Top school: North Dover Elementary scored highest at 4.680 overall.
• Strong performers: Hooper Ave (4,643), Washington St (4,624), Cedar Grove &...

Essential for Toms River residents:

• School boards make decisions as a group during official, public meetings.
• Attend meetings to stay informed.
• Share your thoughts at meetings.

Federal-state immigration clash hits Ocean County: ICE agents wore masks during Jackson arrest, ignoring Gov. Sherrill's March 25 ban.

• ICE stance:...

Budget and Tax Updates

• 🔥 Ocean County $655.6M Budget: Ocean County adopted a $655.6 million budget keeping the tax rate at 28.2 cents per $100...

Toms River seniors and veterans gain stronger protections as 9th District lawmakers renew bills to raise penalties for identity theft targeting them and create an elder exploitation offense.

Relief or ruse? Ocean County's $655.6M 2026 budget holds the tax rate at 28.2 cents, but collects $47M more from taxpayers due to $16B ratable growth...

Key updates from Rutgers-Eagleton poll:

• Slight relief on most everyday costs vs. last fall
• Gas nears $4/gallon, squeezing all demographics amid...

Local housing boost in Forked River:

• Full occupancy at Cornerstone at Lacey III, Walters' 70-unit complex with 1-3 bedroom homes
  -...

Ocean County voters in NJ-02's June primary face four Democratic challengers to unopposed Rep. Jeff Van Drew, focusing on affordability, health care,...

• Harsh winter damage: Storms and a blizzard eroded dunes and beaches in Avalon and other towns.
• Key announcement: Rep. Jeff Van Drew secures Army...

Mayor Rodrick's deal: Secured state-approved plan for 183 new affordable units + extensions on existing ones, avoiding overdevelopment.

• Council...

• Doren Development agenda item at Zoning Board of Adjustment regular meeting
• Location: 1632 NJ Route 37, Block 1086.14, Lots 5.01 & 5.02, HB Zone
  -...

Prime local jobs open in Toms River-area departments, from clerical to engineering, emphasizing career growth and public service.

• Key openings:...

• State REAL mandates add 4ft+ to flood elevations, delaying permits and redesigning homes.
• Ocean County Mayors Association (30+ towns) unanimously...

Urgent funding alert for Ocean County nonprofits and governments preparing for 2026 World Cup influx near Meadowlands:

• $5M total via NJEDA for fan...

Key shakeup in Ocean County government:

• Deputy Collins on paid leave since March 11, contract ends Aug. 31 at $171K salary.
• Shared leadership...

Ocean Democrats For Progress launches as a grassroots movement to reform Ocean County Democratic Party.

Key push:

• Recruit 47 county committee...

• Pay quarterly to avoid overdue issues
• Sidestep interest starting at 8%, rising to 18%
• Prevent municipality tax lien sales on your property

Stay ahead—timely payments are your best defense against rising costs.

Ocean County families: Navigate 2026 legislative tax changes at tomorrow's free estate planning event.

• Wills, Trusts & Estate Taxes: Protect IRAs,...

Key tax impacts from the proposed $306M budget:

• Tax rate: $1.077 per $100 of assessed value
• Beachwood increase: 5.3%, or $13.67/month for a home
  Residents: Watch council votes on this budget hit to your wallet.