JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Arts Committee is once again bringing music to the community this summer with its popular FREE Summer Gazebo Concert Series, beginning Friday, June 26, and continuing every Friday evening through August 21.

All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Jefferson Township Gazebo, located at the Municipal Building Complex, 1033 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge. In the event of rain, performances will move indoors to the Jefferson Township High School auditorium.

The 2026 series opens with the Jefferson Township Community Concert and Jazz Bands under the direction of Peter A. Tummillo Jr., continuing a long-standing Jefferson tradition of community music and entertainment.

Residents are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, along with family and friends, to enjoy an evening of live music in a relaxed outdoor setting. Concertgoers may also bring snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Free parking will be available, and attendees are reminded to carry in and carry out their trash.

Returning this year will be Frank Capello and the Lil Ice Trike Company, offering frozen treats for sale during many of the concerts.

2026 Concert Schedule

• Friday, June 26 – Jefferson Township Community Concert & Jazz Bands
• Friday, July 3 – Rosewood
• Friday, July 10 – Wonderloaf
• Friday, July 17 – Jungle Habitat
• Friday, July 24 – Jersey Sound
• Friday, July 31 – Tennessee Honey
• Friday, August 7 – OC5
• Friday, August 14 – Some Guys and a Broad
• Friday, August 21 – Naughty Humphrey

The concert series will feature a wide variety of musical styles, including classic rock, Motown, country, jazz, R&B, disco, blues, and popular hits from the 1960s through today.

The concerts are designed to provide affordable, family-friendly entertainment while bringing the Jefferson Township community together throughout the summer season.

Admission is free, although free-will donations are appreciated to help support future programming.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The community is invited to come together for a meaningful morning of hope, healing, and awareness at the Northwest NJ Out of the Darkness Campus Walk on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

The event will take place at Jefferson Township Intermediate School, 1000 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge, with registration beginning at 8:00 a.m. The walk will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

The Northwest NJ Out of the Darkness Campus Walk continues to build strong community support as organizers work toward their fundraising goal of $10,000 for suicide prevention awareness and mental health programs.

As of today, the event has attracted 74 participants, organized into 7 teams, with 46 donations received in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The walk is focused on suicide prevention awareness and supporting mental health initiatives. Participants will walk along Jefferson Township High School’s cross-country trail in Mahlon Dickerson Reservation, a wooded trail surrounded by natural terrain. Organizers hope the event will provide residents, students, families, and community members with an opportunity to connect, enjoy the outdoors, and promote mental health, hope, and support for one another.

The event is part of the Out of the Darkness Campus Walks program, connected with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention New Jersey Chapter. It is also supported by NJ4S Morris-Sussex, the Mental Health Association, and Jefferson Township Public Schools.

In addition to the walk, the event will feature music, games, activities, sand art, coloring, scratch art, temporary tattoos, bubbles, lawn games, hula hoops, a photographer, and a new photo booth.

There is no cost to participate, but donations are encouraged. All donations will support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Residents can register by clicking here or contact Tracy Cappiccille at 973-334-4052 Ext: 578 or email [email protected]

The event is proudly endorsed by the Township of Jefferson and community partners committed to raising awareness, reducing stigma, and reminding residents that help and hope are always within reach.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township will honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation during its annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Residents are invited to line the parade route and take part in this solemn community tradition of remembrance and respect.

The parade will begin at Star of the Sea Church, located at 204 Espanong Road, Lake Hopatcong, and continue along East Shore Road to Cherry Road, ending at Brady Bridge.

At the conclusion of the parade, a wreath-tossing ceremony and salute will be held to honor fallen veterans.

The event provides an opportunity for the community to come together, reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day, and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Focus conducted a comparison of services performed by Atlantic Communications in several area municipalities. According to the review, •Jefferson Township had 189 invoices in 2023 totaling $186,076.25; 148 invoices in 2024 totaling $193,571.69; and 162 invoices in 2025 totaling $165,267.41. (Copies of invoices can be seen by clicking here: 2023; 2024; 2025.)

Three year total of $544,915.35.

•Mount Olive had two invoices in 2024 totaling $37,569.96, with no invoices listed for 2023 or 2025. (Copies of invoices can be seen by clicking here)

Three year total of $37,569.96.

•Wharton had three invoices in 2023 totaling $2,393.75 and two invoices in 2024 totaling $4,046.55, with no invoices listed for 2025. (Copies of invoices can be seen by clicking here)

Three year total of $6,530.40.

•Rockaway Township had three invoices in 2024 totaling $10,822.35 and two invoices in 2025 totaling $2,592.60, with no invoices listed for 2023. (Copies of invoices can be seen by clicking here)

Three year total of $13,414.95.

•Roxbury Township did not use the services of Atlantic Communications. (Copies of communication can be seen by clicking here)

Overall, the comparison found 511 invoices totaling $602,340.56 across the four municipalities from 2023 through 2025.

The comparison raises questions about Jefferson Township’s reliance on Atlantic Communications. While nearby municipalities showed only limited use of the vendor, Jefferson Township recorded 499 invoices totaling $544,915.35 from 2023 through 2025. The records reviewed do not, by themselves, establish that Atlantic Communications was the township’s exclusive provider, but they do show a significantly higher level of activity than the other municipalities examined.

Grand Total: 511 invoices totaling $602,340.56.

Grand Total: 511 invoices totaling $602,340.56

Atlantic Communications is located at 664 State Route 15 South in Lake Hopatcong. Public records reviewed by Jefferson Focus indicate that the property is owned by PES LLC. PES LLC was formed in 2015 with Pamela Davieau and Shannon Meade-Castimore listed as members, and a 2017 amendment added Eric Wilsusen as a member. Township meeting minutes also reflect that Wilsusen described himself as a one-third owner of the building that houses Atlantic Communications, while stating he has no ownership interest in Atlantic Communications itself. PES LLC purchased the property at 664 Route 15 South in January 2016 for approximately $400,000.

Editors Note: Interesting fact: According to records filed with the State of New Jersey PES was formed in 2015. (P=Pamela Davieau, E=Eric Wilsusen and S=Shannon Meade-Castimore). Why wasn’t it until 2017 that Wilsusen was added to the limited liability Company, PES LLC.? According to records Wilsusen was still Deputy Chief of the Jefferson Police Department; Wilsusen retired on December 31, 2016. (Pamela Davieau is the wife of Gary Davieau, owner of Atlantic Communications and Shannon Meade-Castimore is the wife of Jefferson Township Police Chief Paul Castimore.)

After this publication received numerous letters regarding the relationships between Jefferson Township Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen, Jefferson Township Police Chief Paul Castimore, who reports directly to the Mayor and Atlantic Communications owner, Gary Davieau, we started an investigation into the business dealings of these three individuals.

Jefferson Township Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen is married to Kristine A. Wilsusen; Atlantic Communications owner, Gary Davieau is married to Pam Davieau; and Jefferson Township Police Chief Paul Castimore is married to Shannon Meade-Castimore.

Their personal relationships began over twenty years ago.

•In a deed filed in the Ocean County Clerk’s office, a property located at 26 West Mohawk Drive, Little Egg Harbor filed on March 15, 2006 lists Gary and Pam Davieau, husband and wife; Paul Castimore and Shannon Meade-Castimore, husband and wife; and Eric and Kristina A. Wilsusan, husband and wife; as purchasers the property.

•According to the State of New Jersey a Limited Liability Company was formed on September 29, 2015 for a company called “PES LLC.”  The members of PES include, Pamela Davieu, and Shannon Meade-Castimore. A Certificate of Amendment was filed with the New Jersey Division of Revenue on February 7, 2017, adding Eric Wilsusen as a member of PES LLC.

Editors Note: Eric Wilsusen retired from the Jefferson Township Police Department in 2016. He served for 31 years, concluding his career as the Deputy Chief of Police before later becoming the Mayor of Jefferson Township.

Eric Wilsusen pension with “Police and Firemen’s Retirement System” was effective January 1, 2017.

Eric Wilsusen became the Mayor of Jefferson Township, winning his first election in 2018 and taking office on January 1, 2019.

On March 23, Jefferson Focus, submitted an Open Records Public Act (OPRA) request to the Deputy Township Clerk, Amanda L. Nevins, for “All invoices for the year 2026, 2025, 2024 and 2023 from Vendor of services rendered or services performed by Atlantic Communications Electronics, Inc.“

According to OPRA regulations, the documents should have been produced on or about April 2, 2026.

Deputy Township Clerk, Amanda L. Nevins Responed:  Due to the voluminous nature of the potentially responsive records, an extension is required. A response will be provided to you on or before April 8, 2026, pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(g).

Then on April 8, Amanda Nevins wrote regarding: “Due to the voluminous nature of the potentially responsive records, an additional extension is required. A response will be provided to you on or before April 17, 2026  pursuant to N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(g).”

Jefferson Focus replied that we do not grant an additional extension and wanted access to the documents immediately. Request was ignored.

Note: Ironically here’s a clear, concise summary of N.J.S.A. 47:1A-5(g):

“Public agencies must use a standard request form (set by the Government Records Council) for anyone seeking access to government records. The form collects basic contact information and a description of the records requested. Requests can also be submitted via letter or email if they include all required details. Custodians may deny requests that are incomplete or overly unclear, but anonymous requests are allowed (though anonymous requestors cannot file legal appeals). Requestors must indicate if the records will be used for commercial purposes. The form must outline procedures, fees, response timelines, appeal rights, and provide space for both the requestor and custodian to sign. Agencies may require deposits for requests costing more than $5. If available, agencies can accept and respond to requests electronically and must provide instructions on their website for submitting such requests.”

Jefferson Focus believes the response is merely a smoke screen intended to buy additional time and does not legitimately apply to the extension that was requested.

On April 17, 2026, after Deputy Township Clerk, Amanda L. Nevins, never supplied the requested documents, Jefferson Focus sent an email reminding of the April 17, 2026 deadline. Jefferson Focus did not receive a response to the email, nor did Jefferson Focus receive any documents relevant to the OPRA request.

Our article was published on April 19, 2026, titled “Jefferson Township Under Scrutiny as Questions Go Unanswered.”

On Monday, April 20, Deputy Township Clerk, Amanda L. Nevins stated her email was blocked from Jefferson Focus, which is not true. On Monday, April 20, a day after our story (“Jefferson Township Under Scrutiny as Questions Go Unanswered”) was published we received the documents requested using OPRA (Open Public Records Act). As of this date, we still did not receive any invoices for 2026, as requested. We submitted another OPRA request for all invoices for 2026, January through April 30.

In a Letter to the Editor dated, March 9, published by Jefferson Focus, Gary Davieau stated “As President of Atlantic Communications, I want to make it clear that my company operates with integrity and in full compliance with all applicable contracting requirements. Approximately 95% of our work is performed under New Jersey State contracts or cooperative purchasing agreements, which establish fixed pricing and strict oversight. These structures ensure transparency and prevent the type of pricing practices that have been implied.”

In an anonymous letter received at this writers home address, which was also mailed to Purchasing Coordinator of Morris County Purchasing, NJ Department of Labor, Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council, Sussex County Purchasing, Daily Record, New Jersey Herald, Star Ledger and Warren County Purchasing states “Atlantic Communications signed a Non-Collusion Affidavit Form with New Jersey Purchasing and Morris County Cooperative Purchasing Council, but they are in violation of collusion as well as an enormous conflict of interest since Atlantic Communixations’ owner, the Mayor, and Police Chief each own a 1/3 partership in the Atlantic Communications building, creating a huge conflict of interest. This is unfair to the taxpayers of Jefferson Township or any other vendors attempting to do business with the town. All of this calls for an emergent investigation and Atlantic Communications should be barred from any future bidding or any State or County contract since they are clearly in violation of bidder laws.”

Prior to publishing this article, we send Mr. Eric Wilsusen the following questions and his responses appear after each question.

1. Why did Jefferson Township spend more than $544,000 with Atlantic Communications over a three-year period? 

This level of spending with a single vendor over a multi-year period is not unusual given the scope of services and equipment provided to public safety and municipal operations. It is also relatively consistent with year to year spending with this particular vendor for many years.

 The costs are based upon needs, as dictated by the department heads, including the       current Police Chief.

Atlantic Communications provides quotes for equipment and services, which are reviewed by the appropriate Township departments prior to the issuance of purchase orders.

I have attached sample resolutions from prior years demonstrating the longstanding and consistent nature of this vendor relationship. (Click here to view attachments)

• What specific services did Atlantic Communications provide to justify the cost?

Police, fire, EMS, municipal, emergency lights, sirens, radios and associated equipment, dispatch console, portable radio & pager repair & maintenance, radio base station and associated equipment maintenance and repair, other associated electronics repair as required by our police, fire, EMS and municipal government departments. Maintenance, installation and repair of all associated equipment is also required.

I, as Mayor, have no role in the requests made or equipment purchased.

• Was the work publicly bid, and if not, why?   
  
  Under the New Jersey Local Public Contracts Law, specifically N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12, municipalities are permitted to purchase goods and services through approved New Jersey State Contracts and authorized cooperative purchasing systems, including the Morris County Cooperative Pricing Council (MCCPC).

Purchases made from Atlantic Communications were completed through applicable        State Contract pricing or cooperative purchasing agreements, consistent with New      Jersey purchasing laws and standard municipal procurement practices.

The purpose of utilizing New Jersey State Contracts and Cooperative Purchasing   Agreements is to ensure municipalities receive competitively bid pricing while reducing       administrative costs and delays associated with conducting separate local bids for           routine operational needs.

These purchasing mechanisms are specifically authorized under the New Jersey Local      Public Contracts Law and are widely utilized by government agencies throughout the           State. They allow municipalities to leverage pre-bid contracts and the purchasing power of larger cooperative systems to obtain goods and services efficiently, economically, and   in compliance with public procurement regulations.

For public safety operations in particular, utilizing established State Contract and cooperative vendors helps ensure equipment compatibility, maintenance continuity,         rapid service response, and operational reliability for police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and       municipal communications systems.

4. How was Atlantic Communications originally selected by the township?   

I was not Mayor at the time Atlantic Communications was first selected. The Township has utilized this local vendor for more than 20 years primarily through NJ State Contract or Morris County Cooperative Purchasing.

5. Were other vendors considered before awarding work to Atlantic Communications?   

The Township has utilized this local vendor for more than 20 years over two different administrations. The Township is utilizing this vendor under NJ State Contract or cooperative purchasing agreements. Atlantic is a longtime local vendor located within the borders of Jefferson Township. The departments within the Township utilizing their services are satisfied with their work, if not other vendors of a similar nature would be considered. Atlantic Communications is also one of the authorized vendors capable of providing Kenwood Radios, our primary two-way radios for all emergency services, and related services through applicable State Contract or cooperative purchasing agreements. (Editors Note: Jefferson Township Mayor Eric F. Wilsusen has been receiving a retirement pension through the state’s Police and Firemen’s Retirement System (PFRS) since January 1, 2017. He qualified for and began drawing this pension after retiring in 2016 from a 31-year career in the Jefferson Township Police Department, where he served as Deputy Chief.)

6. Did the township receive multiple quotes for any of the projects or purchases?   

Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12, the Township utilizes NJ State Contracts or cooperative purchasing agreements which runs its own bidding process These purchasing tool are utilized to streamline the purchasing process. Multiple quotes are utilized for such vendors not on such contracts or coop’s and under a particular threshold as outlined by the NJ local finance board.

• Who within township government approved the invoices submitted by Atlantic Communications?

Consistent with NJ Purchasing Laws, for all invoices, each Department prepares a requisition for any goods or services required, approved by the requisitioner, and Township Administrator. The requisition and invoice are then reviewed by purchasing department employees before approving the purchase and is then entered into the Edmunds Local Government Finance Software and which requires a multi-layer review and approval process, after which, generates a paper purchase order which is then signed by the requisitioner, business administrator and the vendor.

The Township Purchasing Department sets up the purchase orders and prepares the resolution with a not to exceed amount, then approved by the Township Council.

Purchase orders are regularly reviewed by our Chief Financial Officer, Business Administrator/Qualified Purchasing Agent, and finance department personnel prior to presentation to the Council who makes the final approval of all bills.  We are also one the very few municipalities in New Jersey that post their bills list online for transparency before each Council meeting.

8. Were township council members informed of the total cumulative spending with the company?

Yes, for as long as anyone can remember, the Township Council approves a not to exceed resolution which is standard practice for this vendor and others that we know from history we perform regular purchasing of goods and services. I will once again refer you to the resolutions provided from 2012-2018 of this history. Final approval of all bills is approved by the Township Council at each Council meeting.

Resolutions establish maximum authorized amounts for goods and services to be procured as needed during the authorized period. Actual expenditures are made through individual purchase orders issued against those authorizations and are subject to the Township’s financial controls as explained in #7, certification of funds, and audit review.

9. Why did Jefferson Township have significantly more invoices than neighboring municipalities using similar services?

Each municipality has different operational needs, equipment inventories, emergency service structures, and capital projects. The Township over the past several years have performed a 9-1-1 upgrade to the communication system.  The Township received multiple ladder & fire trucks over the past 7 years which required radio installation and related equipment, purchased new emergency vehicles which required lights, radios and computer placement. Each year the Police Department also replaced four patrol vehicles requiring the installation and removal of radios, emergency lighting, computers, and associated communications equipment, those vehicles are passed down to other departments which require the removal of all equipment and may require the installation of different equipment.

10. What safeguards are in place to ensure taxpayers receive competitive pricing?

Jefferson Township follows all applicable New Jersey purchasing laws and procurement regulations. The Township utilizes New Jersey State Contracts and authorized          cooperative purchasing systems, which are competitively bid and publicly awarded for    use by government agencies statewide.

These purchasing mechanisms are specifically designed to ensure municipalities receive competitive pricing while maintaining compliance with public contracting requirements.

11. Were any emergency contracts issued to Atlantic Communications, and if so, for what reason?

Emergency repairs do occur. We have had the 9-1-1 system become inoperable. Our radio transmitters at a radio tower site occasionally become inoperable and need to be repaired immediately due to public health, safety, and welfare concerns.

These situations are infrequent but occasionally necessary to maintain uninterrupted emergency communications capabilities. We do not exceed the resolution not to exceed not to exceed resolution amount with further Council approval and any emergency work performed is processed in the same manner as any other purchase of goods and services.

12. Did the township conduct any performance reviews or audits of the company’s work?   

Formal performance audits are not required for these routine operational purchases; however, departments continuously evaluate vendor performance and service reliability.

Due to the longstanding vendor relationship, Atlantic Communications is highly familiar with the Township’s communications infrastructure and operational needs.

Sample purchase orders as requested by the auditor are reviewed by the Township Auditors during our yearly audit period.

13. Were any township employees or officials involved in recommending Atlantic Communications?

The Township has been utilizing Atlantic Communications for over 20 years over two different administrations. Since 2001 as Royal Communication and then as Atlantic Communications in 2004 at the Jefferson location. Since the 1990’s as Royal Communications (now Northeast Communications) at the Montville/Wharton locations. Both Royal and Atlantic have been owned by different members of the Davieau family.

14. Has the township compared Atlantic Communications’ pricing to other vendors in Morris County?   

As per N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12 the Township utilizes NJ State Contract or cooperative purchasing agreements which sets the standards for pricing of goods and services. which is mandated to follow bidding requirements. 

15. Can the township provide a breakdown of the $544,915.35 spent between 2023 and 2025?  

According to the Township Clerks office, you requested this information through an Open Public Records request and all documents (more than 500) have been provided to you. (Editors Note: See documents in beginning of article)

1. Did any of the purchases involve grant funding or shared service agreements?   

None that I am aware of.

17. Why were there 499 invoices issued over the three-year period instead of larger consolidated contracts? 

These purchase orders/invoices are issued based on the resolution which are established or once the aggregate total amount is close to the bid threshold.  

18. Has the township considered issuing a new Request for Proposals (RFP) to seek competitive alternatives?

As per N.J.S.A. 40A:11-12 the Township utilizes NJ State Contract or cooperative purchasing pricing which performs the required bidding. These purchasing tool includes multiple vendors to choose from for goods and services. Utilizing RFP’s for routine purchases would be inefficient and time consuming with limited finance department personnel when you have these purchasing tools already available. (Labor costs are not part of the NJ State Contract and were included on Atlantic Communications invoices)

19. Are there any personal, political, or business relationships between township officials and representatives of Atlantic Communications?

The Township of Jefferson has been doing business specifically with Atlantic         Communication since 2004 over two Township Administrations.

As stated previously in my April 27 statement on this matter. I have no ownership interest in Atlantic Communications as a business entity. I am a 17% owner of a commercial building with two other partners under the trade name of PES, Inc., properly filed on all of my required financial disclosure statements filed with the State of NJ. PES, Inc collects rents from two tenants including from Atlantic Communications.

My personal relationship with the owner of Atlantic Communication owner Gary Davieau predates my tenue as Mayor.

As you know aware per the article you published on April 19, I was a partner in a rental/investment property in Little Egg Harbor from 2006 to 2021.

Note: I was retired from the Jefferson Police Department in 2017/2018 and did not become Mayor until 2019 and the Township continued to perform roughly the same levels of purchasing for good and services with Atlantic during my retirement.

• In light of rising taxes and budget concerns, how does the administration justify this level of spending to Jefferson taxpayers? 

This level of operational spending is consistent with the ongoing needs of municipal government and public safety operations. We perform regular spending of this level with multiple vendors for good and services each year for many years and follow NJ Purchasing Laws to procure the goods and services necessary to support the day-to-day operations of municipal government

In addition to Atlantic Communication, the Township utilizes the following as contracts not to exceed for routine, year to year purchases of goods and services. Below are some 2025 contract examples and some already utilized for 2026 including Allied Oil, Morton Salt and Atlantic Salt among others.

Atlantic Communications- State & MCCPC
Atlantic Salt – MCCPC
Custom Bandage – State
Nielsen Ford – State
Allied Oil – gasoline – State
Allied Oil Diesel – State
CDW – ESCNJ, Bergen Bids
Gentilini Ford – Cranford
SHI- State & Bergen Bids
Genserve – MCCPC
Jesco – ESCNJ
Service Tire Truck – State
Campbell Foundry – State & MCCPC
North Jersey Bobcat – ESCNJ
Skylands Fire & Safety – State
Home Depot – State
Firefigher One – State
NJ Fire Equipment  – State
Creston Hydraulics – State & SOCCP
KC Sign – ESCNJ
National Highway Products – SOCCP & MCCPC
Pellegrino Chevrolet – Bergen Bids
Ferguson Enterprises – HCESC
Ocean Computer – State
Ciocca Ford – State

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — A luxury lakefront estate at 101 Chincopee Road in Jefferson Township has sold for $3,456,000, making it one of the most notable residential sales in the Lake Hopatcong area this year. The custom-built home, located in the Prospect Point section of the township, sits on 2.32 acres overlooking New Jersey’s largest freshwater lake.

Built in 2002, the Colonial-style residence features five bedrooms, six bathrooms, and approximately 5,669 square feet of living space. The home includes luxury finishes throughout, including fireplaces, expansive entertaining areas, and panoramic lake views. Exterior materials include brick, stone, and stucco construction.

Real estate listings described the property as a “custom-built lakefront paradise” with sun-drenched interiors and resort-style living just one hour from New York City.

The estate was sold on April 6, 2026, according to multiple real estate records. The property had previously been listed over the years at prices ranging from $2.1 million to $3.49 million before the recent sale closed at $3.456 million.

The home is located in Jefferson Township’s highly desirable Lake Hopatcong community, known for its waterfront lifestyle, boating, fishing, dining, and year-round recreational activities.

Other area homes sold are:

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — During its meeting on Wednesday, May 20, the Jefferson Township Council unanimously supported a resolution backing New Jersey Assembly Bill A4860, legislation aimed at providing additional school aid to communities impacted by development restrictions under the Highlands Act.

Resolution #26-149 was approved during the Township Council meeting and states that Jefferson Township has been “severely and adversely affected” by the New Jersey Highlands Act, which restricts development throughout much of the municipality. According to the resolution, approximately 88 percent of Jefferson Township lies within the Highlands Preservation Area, limiting residential and commercial growth opportunities and reducing potential tax revenue.

Township officials also pointed to ongoing school funding challenges. The resolution notes that recent statewide school aid reductions resulted in a reported $2.9 million shortfall in the Jefferson Township School District budget, driven in part by decreases in student allotments and state aid.

Assembly Bill A4860 seeks to provide additional State school aid for qualifying districts located in “Development Restricted Areas,” including municipalities in the Highlands Preservation Area and the Pinelands Preservation Area.

The resolution further acknowledges the efforts of Aura Dunn and Marisa Sweeney, sponsors of the legislation.

Councilmembers Bob Birmingham, Dan Shultz, and Melissa Senatore voted in favor of the resolution. Councilmembers Barbie Garruto and Jon Kalish were absent from the meeting.

Under the approved resolution, Jefferson Township officials will forward copies to Governor Mikie Sherrill, State Senator Anthony M. Bucco, Assembly leadership, and the bill’s sponsors to formally express the township’s support.

Township officials argue that while many New Jersey residents benefit from water protections provided by the Highlands Region, communities like Jefferson Township continue to shoulder the financial burden associated with strict development limitations.

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — Jefferson Township Council Meeting – May 20, 2026.

Click here to download the agenda.

• Eric F. Wilsusen (R) – Mayor
• Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026

1. Robert “Bob” Birmingham (R) – Council President
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
2. Josh Kalish (R) – Council Vice President
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
3. Melissa Senatore (R) – Councilwoman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2026
4. Barbie Garruto (R) – Councilwoman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028
5. Dan Schultz (R) – Councilman
   • Republican Party — Term expires December 31, 2028

JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP — The Jefferson Township Fireman’s Carnival will return for four days of family fun from Wednesday, May 27, through Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Jefferson Township Intermediate School, 1000 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge.

The annual carnival will feature food trucks, carnival games, rides, fireworks, and family-friendly entertainment, while supporting Jefferson Township’s local fire department and honoring the dedicated firefighters who serve the community.

The carnival will be open Wednesday through Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

A highlight of the event will be the Saturday night fireworks display, with a rain date scheduled for Sunday.

The event is designed as a community celebration and fundraiser, bringing residents together while recognizing the commitment and service of Jefferson Township’s volunteer firefighters.

Organizers are encouraging families, friends, and neighbors to come out, enjoy the rides and games, grab dinner from the food trucks, and show support for the local fire department.

The Jefferson Township Fireman’s Carnival promises four days of excitement, community spirit, and appreciation for the firefighters who help keep Jefferson Township safe.