Brick's Tax Collector Set To Retire

BRICK, NJ — For more than 30 years, JoAnne Lambusta has been overseeing tax collections in Brick Township — recording payments, tracking delinquencies and issuing the tax bills.

As of Dec. 1, however, that responsibility will fall to someone else, as Lambusta is retiring after 36 years of working for Brick Township.

Lambusta was honored Tuesday evening at the Township Council meeting, following up on a presentation from a week earlier where she received a proclamation declaring Oct. 5 "JoAnne Lambusta Day" and a key to the town from Mayor John Ducey.

"She always went out of her way to help and support co-workers across departments," said Councilwoman Andrea Zapcic, who worked for the township in the early 2000s.

In addition to her responsibilities as the township's tax collector, Lambusta serves on the township's Planning Board and Environmental Commission.

At home, she is an avid gardener and according to Brick Township Councilwoman Marianna Pontoriero is planning to study to become a master gardener. Lambusta also has recently taken up beekeeping as a hobby, Ducey said.

"She's an inspiration in terms of being so dedicated to her work," Pontoriero said.

Lambusta also was a member of the Tax Collectors and Treasurers Association of New Jersey and of the Monmouth-Ocean Tax Collectors and Treasurers Association, and was often sought as a guest speaker because of her knowledge. She also is very active in her church, Ducey said.

"I have very much appreciated my time with the township," Lambusta said.

"You've made Brick so much better just by being here," Ducey said.

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