DOVER — Mayor James P. Dodd issued a letter to residents this week explaining the reasons behind this year’s property tax increase, emphasizing transparency and outlining steps his administration is taking to maintain fiscal discipline.
According to Mayor Dodd, the largest portion of the increase stems from the Dover Board of Education, which approved a 15.68 percent rise in the school tax levy. For the average homeowner, that translates to approximately $50.81 more per month. In comparison, Dodd noted that the municipal portion under his administration increased by only 4.5 percent.
The mayor attributed much of the spike to Governor Phil Murphy’s removal of the former 2 percent cap on school tax increases, which now allows Boards of Education to raise taxes without limits. Dodd stated that while the Dover Board cited increased costs for salaries, benefits, and utilities, a major factor was its decision to purchase property and build a new school, despite voters previously rejecting that plan in a referendum.
“Rather than financing through a bond, which would have spread costs over time, the Board raised school taxes by $4 million in one year,” Dodd said. He added that he met with the Superintendent and Business Administrator to urge them to use a bond, but his recommendation “was not accepted.”
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Municipal Finances and Police Overtime
On the municipal side, Mayor Dodd said Dover continues to face challenges from the previous administration, including “unsustainable salary hikes and uncontrolled police overtime.”
In 2023, police overtime reportedly cost taxpayers $795,000, with an additional $407,504 in Extra Duty. For 2024, overtime expenses totaled $640,000, plus another $490,596 in Extra Duty.
“Meanwhile, our Chief of Police has refused directives from the Appropriate Authority,” Dodd stated, adding firmly, “This stops now.”
The mayor announced plans to replace the Chief with a Public Safety Director to ensure “controlled spending, efficiency, and accountability.”
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Fiscal Responsibility and Looking Ahead
Despite ongoing challenges, Dodd highlighted his administration’s success in reducing municipal spending. The town’s budget was cut by $1.5 million in 2023 and another $2.7 million in 2024, without layoffs or reductions in services.
“We remain committed to protecting taxpayers, restoring fiscal responsibility, and ensuring Dover remains a strong and vibrant community,” said Dodd. “As always, I remain honored and humbled to serve as your mayor.”
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The information above was provided by the Town of Dover.
