Mayor Fields Issues COVID-19 Update Letter

Press release from Bernards Township:

Jan. 25, 2021

Dear Bernards Township Resident,

Happy New Year and hoping that 2021 ushers a turning point for us all. I am writing today to update you on current issues that the Township is working on. My goal as Mayor this year is to periodically reach out and provide updates to keep our community informed as we tackle the challenges ahead.

First and foremost, and of concern to us all is the Coronavirus Pandemic. Our Health Department has been doing an outstanding job managing the many fronts of this pandemic and provides valuable information that can be found on our website. You can also get up to date information by signing up to our RAVE Mobile Alert System which is also found on our Bernards.org website.

We are all aware of the economic pressures that many individuals and businesses are currently under and the Township is always looking to find ways to help. We are happy to report that Bernards Township will be working with Somerset County in the implementation of a federal C.A.R.E.S. grant. The goal is to set up a new program to help qualified low and moderate seniors to receive delivered hot meals. We plan to partner with local food establishments to achieve this goal. This is a win-win proposition, in that, it protects our senior population as the program is contactless, it helps seniors that are in the low- and moderate-income level and it helps our local businesses in stimulating business. We are currently in the preliminary stages so stay tuned for more updates.

On a final note, many townships, counties, and states are currently facing severe revenue shortfalls as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and our township is not immune from this reality. Bernards Township has been focused in containing costs and expenditures in the difficult months of 2020 and will be doing the same for our upcoming 2021 Budget. The excellent fiscal posture that Bernards Township has long maintained will better allow for us to meet our financial obligations while continuing as a “pay as you go” community. Regardless of our cost containment policies, maintaining our service to our residents in an efficient and effective manner, and providing a stable tax levy is still paramount to Bernards Township.

Stay tuned for our next update.

Sincerely,
Janice Fields
Mayor, Bernards Township

This press release was produced by Bernards Township. The views expressed here are the author's own.