'Fiscal Prudence,' Park Development Township's Top Goals for 2013

Continued “fiscal prudence” and the development of the GSA Park into a “first-class recreational facility” will be 2013’s top priorities for Hillsborough, Mayor Frank DelCore said at Thursday’s annual Township Committee reorganization meeting.

DelCore, now serving his sixth year on the committee, was unanimously selected by his colleagues on the all-Republican governing body to serve as mayor for the year. DelCore served as mayor in 2009 and 2010.

Committeeman Doug Tomson, in his first term on the committee, was selected as deputy mayor.

DelCore, referring to the federal fiscal cliff negotiations, said “maybe Washington should take a page from Hillsborough” to restrain its spending—adding township spending dropped by $1.5 million in 2012 and is now at pre-2007 levels.

“I’m very proud of what this group of people have done,” he said. “But we can not rest.”

But DelCore said the township will continue looking for new ways to save money, including exploring the possibility of more shared services. He also said the township will still take a “business-like approach” and will manage every line of the budget.

The mayor said that the township is near to finalizing an agreement with Somerset County on the first redevelopment phase of the former GSA Depot in the Belle Mead section. That first phase calls for the construction of baseball and softball fields.

“That vision is now within reach,” he said.

DelCore said township officials will meet soon with state Department of Transportation representatives to review the schedule for the completion of the Route 206 by-pass and to see if the long-awaited project can be “expedited where possible.”

Another goal for 2013, DelCore said, is to “open more channels of communication” between the business community and township government to enhance the perception that Hillsborough is “business-friendly.” While the township adopted steps in 2012 to improve the permit process for businesses, more changes may be coming in the new year, the mayor said.

Among the township’s accomplishments in 2012, the mayor said, were the completion of the Claremont sewer project, dedication of the solar project at the municipal building which is projected to save $1.2 million over 10 years and the .

“Having previously served two prior terms as mayor, I certainly understand the responsibility and privilege that comes with the title of ‘mayor’ and it is an honor and a duty that I accept with pride,” DelCore said.

“You’re going to do fine,” Committeeman Carl Suraci, who served as mayor in 2012, told DelCore.