Cranford Township officials are grappling with a significant budget reduction for the Town Road pool, as discussions during the recent budget meeting revealed a proposed budget of $1.41 million for the upcoming year, down from $1.58 million last year. This decrease comes amid ongoing challenges related to revenue generation and operational costs, particularly salaries, which are the largest expense for the township's pool facilities.

Steve, a representative involved in the budget discussions, explained that the budget is primarily driven by membership fees and guest revenues, which have not met expectations. Last year, the pool generated approximately $1 million from memberships and $335,000 from guest fees, alongside an $80,000 surplus. However, with two pools to maintain, Cranford faces higher operational costs compared to other towns that typically manage only one pool.

The township is also absorbing additional costs, such as health insurance and pension contributions for full-time pool employees, which amount to around $128,000 and are not included in the pool budget. This financial strain has prompted officials to explore ways to enhance marketing efforts to boost pool membership and attendance, recognizing that community engagement is crucial for the facility's sustainability.

Despite the budget constraints, officials are committed to keeping the pools operational and are seeking volunteers to assist with marketing initiatives, particularly through social media, as traditional advertising methods may not be financially feasible. The community's emotional connection to the pools has been acknowledged, and officials are determined to find solutions that will allow for continued access to these recreational facilities.

During the meeting, there was also a discussion about potential tax increases to support the pools, but the sentiment among attendees leaned against raising taxes. Instead, alternative funding ideas were suggested, including credits for taxpayers to offset pool costs.

As Cranford Township navigates these financial challenges, the focus remains on balancing the budget while ensuring that residents continue to have access to the pools that serve as vital community resources. The next steps will involve further discussions on marketing strategies and potential adjustments to the budget to meet the needs of the community.