Burlington County NJ

“Our Commissioner Board continues to prioritize affordability, and the DCA property tax data shows that our county’s strong fiscal management and efficiencies are making a difference for local homeowners and businesses,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “We are incredibly proud of our record and will continue to keep a close watch on county finances. At the same time, we pledge to remain responsive to residents needs and to stretch every dollar we receive as far as possible to provide quality services.” https://lnkd.in/eN5uKbB2

Burlington County Celebrates Grand Opening of New Community Blend at Bestseller’s Café Burlington County Library patrons can now enjoy beverages, light fare, and other snacks with their reading materials courtesy of a unique new café that’s enhancing the library and giving students with disabilities opportunities for work experience. Welcome to the Community Blend at Bestseller’s Café. Located in the lobby of the Burlington County Library System’s Main Branch Library in Westampton, the café offers a full menu of coffees, drinks, sandwiches, soups, bakery items and other treats prepared and sold by students from the Burlington County Special Services School District’s Transition Program. The program provides young adults between the ages of 18 and 21 with additional education, including life skills and job training. The café, which started recently, is already a huge success for both the library and school, whose students are gaining real-world job experience and training. The unique partnership between the school and library was celebrated Tuesday during a grand opening ceremony featuring State and County leaders, school and library officials and BCSSSD students. “Burlington County is a community that supports inclusion and strives to provide opportunities for all residents to learn and thrive,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to Burlington County schools. “The Burlington County Library System and Burlington County Special Services School are both essential to this goal. By partnering together, they are enhancing the library and creating new opportunities for students to interact and learn skills that will help them find work, live independently and pursue their dreams.” Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eeGjvsQT

DCA Property Tax Data: Burlington County Extends Streak of Having Lowest Average County Tax in NJ Burlington County had the lowest average county tax in New Jersey once again in 2024, according to the latest New Jersey Department of Community Affairs property tax data. Released this week, the?DCA data?showed the county portion of the average residential tax bill for a home assessed at $241,436 in Burlington County was $1,172 in 2024, which was the lowest among New Jersey’s 21 counties. The next lowest was Morris County with an average county tax of $1,433. The average across New Jersey was $1,809. Burlington County also had the lowest average county tax in the state in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023. “Our Commissioner Board continues to prioritize affordability, and the DCA property tax data shows that our county’s strong fiscal management and efficiencies are making a difference for local homeowners and businesses,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “We are incredibly proud of our record and will continue to keep a close watch on county finances. At the same time, we pledge to remain responsive to residents needs and to stretch every dollar we receive as far as possible to provide quality services.” County taxes made up 15% of the total residential tax bill in 2024. School taxes amounted to about 64% and municipal tax bills amounted to 21%, according to the DCA. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eiJYRw3U

Keep on Trekking: Burlington County Troll Trek Exhibition Extended Indefinitely Burlington County’s trolls are sticking around. The Burlington County Commissioners announced this week that Troll Trek, the popular outdoor exhibit featuring troll sculptures created from recycled and natural materials, will remain part of Burlington County’s landscape for the foreseeable future. “Burlington County is a fantastic place to live so it’s no surprise that all the trolls have decided to remain here,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “We are excited that the artists and sponsors of this unique art exhibit have agreed to keep the trolls on display so residents and visitors can continue to search them out and enjoy them.” The Troll Trek exhibition was organized by the Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Parks System and consists of 19 troll statues in various outdoor locations throughout Burlington County. It was inspired by Big Rusty, a large troll created by world renown artist Thomas Dambo at the site of Hainesport’s future Creek Turn Park. Like Big Rusty, each troll is made from recycled or natural materials. The exhibit began in September and was expected to end on December 31st?last year but was extended indefinitely at the request of residents, municipalities and sponsors. “Troll Trek’s success has well exceeded our expectations, attracting visitors to Burlington County’s parks and downtowns while also inspiring others to create their own trolls from recycled materials,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “This is a great example of how art can impact our communities and it reinforces our Board’s commitment to supporting artists and helping to share their creations.” Learn more at https://lnkd.in/ewiu_ch6

Burlington County Farmers Market Begins 2025 Season This Saturday New Jersey’s favorite farmers market is back in season. The Burlington County Farmers Market will return from its winter hiatus this Saturday, March 8, for the first of four special preseason market days in March and April. From 10 AM to 1 PM, residents from across the county and region are invited to come to the Burlington County Agricultural Center at 500 Centerton Road in Moorestown to shop for all their favorite early season produce, foods and crafts. Among the vendors expected this Saturday are: Cherry Grove Farm, Davidson Mushrooms, Hoja Farm, Little Hooves Romneys, Mill Creek Apiary, Pinelands Produce, Recklesstown Distillery, Windy Farm Alpacas, Scallop Shack, Armageddon Brewing, Cheese Etc., Flourish Bakery, Humble Spud, The Soup Bar, Mom Mom’s Polish Foods, Louis Organics, Tis So Sweet, Wild Flour Bakery and Zaddy’s Roast Sandwiches. Market goers can also enjoy live music and learn more about the Agricultural Center, a County-preserved farm that is now a community park and education center devoted to farming, food production, nutrition and land stewardship. Now in its 19th?season, the farmers market has steadily grown each year and routinely attracts thousands of shoppers each week. Last year, it was crowned New Jersey’s favorite farmers market and the third-best in the Northeast during the American Farmland Trust’s annual online poll. “The Burlington County Farmers Market was voted best in New Jersey in 2024 and we are excited about its long-awaited return for the first time this year,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson. “The special March and April farm markets may be early in the season, but they still feature many of the same outstanding farmers, food vendors and artists who have helped make the market a must-visit destination and No. 1 of its kind in the entire state.” Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eSE_HQhG

Burlington County Commissioners Welcome Randy Brolo as Newest Member The Burlington County Commissioners welcomed Randy Brolo as the Board’s newest member, saying they looked forward to working with him to keep Burlington County affordable and its government responsive to the needs of all residents. “Randy is a longtime resident and union leader who adds another diverse voice to our Commissioner Board,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson. “He understands the pressures faced by working families and the importance of protecting the vulnerable and making investments for present and future generations. We look forward to receiving his input and working together to create new opportunities for economic growth while protecting the environment and quality of life that makes Burlington County so special.” Brolo was sworn-in to the five-member board on Saturday. He fills the Commissioner seat vacated by Balvir Singh, who resigned prior to joining the New Jersey Assembly as a representative for the 7th?Legislative District. Brolo is a Lumberton resident and longtime union leader with the Laborers’ International Union of North America, one of the largest building trade unions in the nation. He is a graduate of the New York State AFL-CIO Leadership Institute at Cornell University and currently serves as the union’s South Jersey Business Development Manager. In addition to his work experience, Brolo previously served on the Rancocas Valley Regional High School Board of Education and as a Commissioner with the Mount Holly Municipal Authority and a member of the Lumberton Planning Board. He is a husband and father of five and is very active with their extracurricular activities. He also participates in mixed martial arts and is a classic car enthusiast. “I am honored to be part of a group of dedicated public servants who understand how county government can make a difference for working families,” said Brolo. “As a union leader, I’ve seen this Board take on issues like hunger, housing and substance use. They lead with compassion, but also with a pragmatism that I admire. I look forward to working with them to preserve our county’s affordability and our high quality of life.”

The Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Women's Advisory Council continue to honor and support standout young women by awarding scholarships to those who are aspiring to lead and advocate for other women or pursue careers in STEM, health care, business, law, government and community service. The Commissioners and Advisory Council announced that applications for Burlington County’s annual Student Scholarship Awards are now being accepted. A total of five $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors. Three of the scholarships are being sponsored by partners Remington & Vernick Engineers, Virtua Health, the Alice Paul Institute and the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce. https://lnkd.in/eNBF2En8

Burlington County Creates New Option for Repurposing Unwanted Books Burlington County residents have a new location to bring unwanted books. A book recycling bin has been added to the Burlington County Resource Complex at 22000 Burlington-Columbus Road in Florence, so residents can repurpose unwanted books rather than dispose of them in household trash. So far, nearly 900 pounds of books have already been collected at the site this year. Hardback and paperback books?in good condition?will be accepted. All donated books will either be sold or recycled into new products by Phoenix-based recycler, BookDrop. Burlington County residents can also bring unwanted books in good condition to the Burlington County Library System’s Main Branch Library in Westampton to donate to the Friends of the Burlington County Library System for resale during the group’s book sales. Select branch libraries may also accept book donations, but residents are advised to call before they visit branch libraries with their donated items. “Burlington County was one of the first counties in New Jersey to create a regional recycling program, and we were the first in the state to create a county library system,” said Burlington County Commissioner Tom Pullion, liaison to both the Department of Solid Waste and Recycling and the Burlington County Library System. “Bringing unwanted books to either our libraries or the Resource Recovery Complex is a great service that allows them to be sold or developed into new products. It’s a simple step that prevents reuseable materials from taking up space in our landfill.” Textbooks will be accepted at the Resource Recovery Complex but will not be accepted by the Friends of the Burlington County Library.?Neither site will accept books in poor condition. Magazines and dirty, damp or moldy books should not be brought to either the libraries or Resource Recovery Complex. Books should NOT be discarded in curbside recycling containers because they cannot be processed by the County’s recycling equipment. The Resource Recovery Complex is open weekdays from 7 AM to 5 PM and on Saturdays from 7 AM to noon. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/eYnnQP97

Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel Inducted as President of SJ County Commissioners Assoc. Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel has been selected to serve as the President of the Southern New Jersey County Commissioners Association for 2025. Burlington County Commissioner Tyler Burrell was also named the Association’s Treasurer. The Southern New Jersey County Commissioners Association is made up of elected officials from the eight counties in South Jersey (Burlington, Ocean, Camden, Gloucester, Atlantic, Cumberland, Salem and Cape May). Participating officials meet monthly to share information and discuss collaborations and issues of common concern.?The Association is a breakout group from the statewide organization, the New Jersey Association of Counties. Commissioner Eckel and Commissioner Burrell were sworn-in to their leadership posts Monday evening during the first Association meeting of 2025. Eckel previously served as their Treasurer in 2023 and its Vice-President in 2024. “It’s an honor to be selected to lead this bipartisan group of dedicated public servants,” said Eckel. “Sharing our diverse perspectives and experiences can help us address shared goals. I look forward to leading discussions about how our counties can work closer together on matters like transportation, climate resiliency, economic development and more. Together we can develop new ideas and strategies to address these and other issues impacting our region.” Burrell, now in his first year serving as a County Commissioner, said he was excited to participate with the association. “It’s a great opportunity for me to meet and interact with other South Jersey leaders and learn about their county’s programs and how their counties are tackling issues that may be similar to ones facing Burlington County,” he said. Learn more about the Association and Commissioner Eckel's new leadership position at https://lnkd.in/eDcd37Y2

Burlington County Institute of Technology Celebrates Completion of Renovations at Medford Campus The Burlington County Institute of Technology continues to upgrade its facilities and programs to help students find success and prepare for 21st?century careers. The vocational school district held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday to celebrate the completion of $8 million in renovations and improvements at the district’s Medford campus off Hawkin Road. The improvements included major expansions and renovations to the school’s welding and HVAC shops and the creation of a new video game design lab. The improvements are the first major renovations at the school since 2006 and will allow the school district to continue to modernize its programs and enroll more students. “BCIT students are receiving quality educations that prepare them for high-tech careers, higher education and beyond,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, the board liaison to BCIT. “Our Board is proud of the school district’s success and its students’ achievements. Improvements like the ones at the Medford campus will help students continue to excel. Ultimately, they also help Burlington County’s economy by keeping our county and its workforce competitive and attractive to new businesses in rapidly growing industries.” Dr. Ashanti Holley, superintendent of Burlington County Institute of Technology/Burlington County Special Services School District, said the Medford upgrades will allow more students to enroll in three of its most in-demand programs. “This renovation is a major milestone for BCIT-Medford, expanding hands-on training in welding, HVAC and game design. With 3,400 square feet of upgraded space, we are providing industry standard facilities that mirror real word environments,” Dr. Holley said. Joining Dr. Holley and Commissioner Eckel at the ceremony were Burlington County Commissioner Tyler Burrell, who previously served as President of the Board of Education for Burlington County Institute of Technology/Burlington County Special Services District, representatives from the offices of New Jersey Assemblywoman Andrea Katz and U.S. Senator Andy Kim, and numerous BCIT students, faculty, administrators and officials. Learn more about the school's improvements at https://lnkd.in/e67pddHn