Edison Township services suspended, employees furloughed in partial government shutdown
The budget vote was expected to take place during Tuesday's council meeting, but three council members did not attend and a fourth left before the vote could be held.
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Edison Township has entered a partial government shutdown after the Township Council failed to approve a municipal budget Tuesday night, forcing the suspension of several township services.
The budget vote was expected to take place during Tuesday's council meeting, but three council members did not attend and a fourth left before the vote could be held. Without enough members present, the council was unable to take action on the budget or approve temporary spending measures, leaving the township without funding authority.
Some municipal services have been suspended since Wednesday, including permitting and municipal court operations. Summer recreation programs have also been affected, with facilities such as the township's splash park closed during the ongoing funding crisis.
“How can they not keep up with the budgets, and then where do they decide to cut those things off?” said local parent Preya Patel. “Why does the kids' stuff get cut off?”
Council President Joseph Coyle criticized the absence of members during the meeting, noting that Councilman Richard Brescher left before the budget vote.
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“I can't speak for why he would leave a meeting knowing that we're voting for an important budget," he said Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, Mayor Sam Joshi said residents are the ones paying the price during the shutdown.
“It's disappointing to see that elected officials are not willing to physically show up to cast their votes,” Joshi said. “I want our community to thrive. I want our families to have a wonderful summer. Clearly, this is impacting all of that.”
However, several council members who were absent from Tuesday night's meeting pushed back on criticism from the mayor.
In a statement posted to social media, Councilman Richard Brescher wrote, “Council members have a duty to review the numbers, ask questions, and ensure taxpayer dollars are being spent responsibly.”
While the mayor said the township is prioritizing public safety funding during the shutdown, he told News 12 that several police officers have already been furloughed. He warned that if the council does not approve a budget or temporary funding measure, more than 50 additional officers could also be furloughed.
“These furloughs, which are totally unnecessary if municipal government officials would do their jobs properly, are going to impact public safety, and we don't want to see anyone hurt by it,” said John Hulse, a representative for the local PBA.
Joshi has called an emergency Township Council meeting for Thursday night. He said he is hopeful council members will approve temporary funding to lift the shutdown.
