U. to give $500K to Township in new agreement

“We will continue our discussions in 2011 with the goal of reaching a multi-year agreement for 2012, or a one-year agreement for 2012, depending on what the outcome is of our discussions as it relates to consolidation and shared services,” Goerner explained.

The University has previously formed similar agreements — known as payments in lieu of taxes, or PILOTs — with Princeton Borough and West Windsor Township, but this is the first such payment that the University will make to Princeton Township.

University Vice President and Secretary Bob Durkee ’69 explained in an e-mail that the University chose to make the contribution because of its increasing physical presence in the Township, the Township’s financial challenges and the importance of maintaining a cooperative relationship.

“Many of the projects in our campus plan are in the Township, including, for example, the new chemistry building, the new Butler College dorms, and the neuroscience and psychology buildings now under construction,” Durkee said. “In recognition of this growing presence in the Township, we were asked to consider making a direct voluntary contribution to the Township.”

“Our goal was to begin to have the University focus more closely on paying its fair share of the community’s essential services and infrastructure costs, and the voluntary payment for 2011 will go to help the Township offset some of these budgetary costs,” Goerner said in an e-mail.

Durkee noted that the University has voluntarily kept some graduate student housing properties that could qualify for tax exemption on the tax rolls for more than 50 years. The University paid more than $600,000 in property taxes to the Township last year on these properties.

Durkee said that the University decided to “leave open the question of a contribution in future years until we know the outcome of the consolidation decision that will be made by the Borough and Township later this year,” adding that “it is too early to speculate about what kinds of agreements we might reach” in 2012.

Under similar agreements, the University contributed a voluntary payment of about $1.2 million to the Borough last year as part of a six-year agreement, which expires at the end of this year. An agreement with West Windsor Township, through which the University contributed $50,000 in addition to $900,000 in taxes in 2009, does not have an expiration date.

Also at the Township Committee meeting, Goerner, who served as deputy mayor the last two years, was formally confirmed as mayor. Bernard Miller, who has served nine years on the Township Committee and served as mayor the last two years, stepped down from his post.

Committee members lauded Miller’s achievements over his tenure, including the smallest tax increase in 25 years and the designation of the Township as a “Tree City USA.” Miller has also worked for the construction of the first senior housing development in both the Township and Borough.

In thanking Miller for his years of service and leadership, Goerner said: “Bernie has brought laser-like focus and a steady hand to municipal finances. It has been an honor to serve with him, and I think it’s very clear that his dedication to Princeton Township is a shining example of civil service.”

Wiping away tears from his eyes, Miller in turn praised his colleagues, noting that “what makes Princeton Township a great community is the work of all the volunteers who sit on our boards and commissions and give many, many hours of their time, their effort and their energy, during the day and during the evenings, on behalf of our community.”

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Looking ahead, Goerner said he has challenged his staff to not increase the municipal budget this year. He also plans to work with the Borough to construct a $2 million community park pool complex and to address concerns with the University’s proposed arts and transit neighborhood.

Goerner also said that an important future challenge is the possible consolidation of Princeton Township and Princeton Borough. He explained that the work of the Joint Consolidation/Shared Services Study Commission would be completed early this year and that “depending on the recommendation, there may very well be a referendum for voters to consider in November.” Goerner stressed the need for communication between the Borough and Township in order to move forward on important issues and support both constituencies.

Despite the uncertainty of future challenges, Goerner said during the committee meeting: “As mayor, to paraphrase David Bowie, I may not always know exactly where I’m going, but I promise you, it will not be boring.”