Together, we will continue to build a
#BetterBelleville
Keeping our momentum moving forward
Improved Services
In 2018, we campaigned on the notion that residents deserve better quality services for the taxes they pay. We believe we have exceeded expectations.
Improved Recreation Facilities
In 2018 when the Melham Team was elected, Belleville had just one field turf field, and it was well past its life expectancy. In just 3.5yrs, we have QUINTUPLED the amount of Field Turf in Belleville. Just look around.
New Facilities and Community Art
For the first time in decades, Belleville has created new facilities. Our dog park has been a huge success, as well as our new community garden. While planter boxes and beautiful art murals now decorate our streets.
More Accessibility & Transparency
Since the Melham Team’s election in 2018, every single Council Meeting has been live streamed. In addition, the Township re-launched a brand new website and created official social media channels.
Watching the Bottom Line
Today, there are less employees in Town Hall than in 2018, while new employees start at drastically reduced salaries. Last years Municipal Tax increase was only $38 (for the average assessed house).
Enhanced Events
Again, there’s no question the Melham Team has dramatically increased not only the number of events, but the quality of those events. New events like our Food Truck Festival, Veterans’ Day Weekend 5k, Three Kings Day and Green Fairs just to name a few.
News & Updates
Sessa’s Corner: Putting the Mayor on the Hot Seat!
Topics Covered:
2:20 | How would I describe the first two years?
4:30 | Taxes…
5:35 | Biggest Accomplishments: The Team I’ve built.
6:48 | Taxes…
11:34 | Covid19, Budget, Lawsuits & $1.6M owed to Newark for back water charges
19:10 | The Team: Township Manager
20:25 | Taxes…
23:50 | Lead in the Water
28:30 | Lead Line Replacement
34:20 | Area in need of Rehabilitation/Redevelopment, PILOTS & Using Developer money for an Indoor Turf Facility?
46:42 | New Program: Free Money for Home Improvements
48:08 | Development Updates
52:50 | Turf Facilities, Municipal Stadium Complex at the HS, Newark Reservoir as a Park!
1:02:50 | Recreation Fees & Feeder Program
1:12:34 | Health Benefits
1:20:25 | Post Office
1:25:18 | Covid19 Masks
1:30:26 | What else can we expect?
PILOT Explanation
On Tuesday, March 26 2019, rather than giving my traditional ‘Mayor’s Report,’ I opted instead to give some prepared remarks. Since we had two financial agreements on the agenda regarding PILOTs, Payments in Lieu of Taxes, my remarks centered around a PILOT explanation, all the positive benefits for Belleville, the additional revenue and how little they actually impact that School District. I believe the applause at the end, is indicative of the silent majority in Belleville finally stepping forward to be heard. If you’re concerned or curious, I highly recommend taking the time to listen.
Water Rates Message from Mayor Melham
Click here for Spanish version
Dear Belleville Water Purchaser:
Since taking office in July, 2018, the Council and I have steadily been working to cure some of the long term problems that have plagued Belleville. I’m happy to report that collectively, we have made a lot of progress. Some of that progress has included hiring a full-time CFO, which we haven’t had for years, and for the first time in decades, a full-time, outside, professional Township Manager. Some may think these two positions would be staples in a Township the size of Belleville, but for many years, they were not. Because of our decisions the Township now has a professional team ‘watching the store.’
Which leads me to this quarter’s Water Bill. Recently the Township Council voted to increase water fees. Why? Because as you may or may not know, Belleville has a contract to purchase water from the City of Newark. That contract, which has been expired since 2015 gradually ticks up the rate the City of Newark charges Belleville. The problem was, Belleville, had not changed our water fees since 2012, which left our Water Utility running a deficit year after year. Clearly a private business buying a product for X and reselling would never be sustainable if and when the cost to purchase the product far surpasses the fee you resell it for. Well, this is exactly what has happened over the past six years.
Furthermore, while the Township has run a loss, for six years, meaning we pay the City of Newark more than what we collect in water bills, we have also been out of contract for many years. This means, that we currently owe and have already begun to pay back the City of Newark $1.6M in back water payments.
In 2.5 years, we have accomplished a lot. However, we are still tackling several issues from the past. Thankfully, I am confident in the team we have in place. I believe collectively my Council colleagues and I are righting the ship and providing a good, solid foundation for Belleville to move forward.
Sincerely,
Michael A. Melham, Mayor
Township of Belleville
Because I believe in a #BetterBelleville
Election Day is
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
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Copyright 2022 Melham Team. Paid for by Melham for Belleville 2022.