02/26/2026
State of the Township Release
Mayor Joseph M. Marino
South Harrison Township
As Mayor of South Harrison Township, I am pleased to provide this State of the Township update to our residents, outlining the progress we have made and the direction we will continue to pursue for our community.
When I first joined the Township Committee, I established two priorities that I believed were critical to our long-term stability: renegotiating our outdated Host Community Benefit Agreement with the Gloucester County Improvement Authority, and ensuring dependable, 24-hour police protection for our residents.
On public safety, we took decisive action by entering into a shared services agreement with the Woolwich Township Police Department. That agreement, initially structured for five years and now renewed for an additional five-year term, guarantees 24/7 police coverage at a significant cost savings compared to operating our own municipal department.
Prior to this agreement, South Harrison operated with only five part-time police officers, which limited our ability to provide consistent, around-the-clock protection and specialized services. Today, our residents are served by a full-time, professional department consisting of 34 sworn officers, including:
• Three administrators: Chief, Captain, and Lieutenant
• Four Sergeants
• Four Corporals
• Twenty-one Patrol Officers
• Two Detectives
In addition to expanded manpower, our residents now benefit from a dedicated detective bureau, supervisory command structure, and full compliance with current state standards for facilities, technology, and record keeping. This level of staffing, leadership, and specialization would not have been financially feasible under our prior structure.
This partnership has significantly strengthened public safety while demonstrating responsible fiscal management — delivering more comprehensive protection at a lower long-term cost to taxpayers.
Equally important has been the successful renegotiation of our Host Community Benefit Agreement. After multiple rounds of negotiations, we secured a new agreement that substantially increases our per-tonnage compensation over the next ten years, ensuring greater financial stability for our Township and meaningful value for our taxpayers.
In addition to enhanced revenue, this agreement provides a direct investment in our Volunteer Fire Department, including the purchase of a new hybrid tanker response vehicle. This investment equips our first responders with the tools they need and reinforces our commitment to protecting our residents.
I am also proud to announce the permanent preservation of a 73-acre tract within our Township. Although 42 acres had previously received approvals for additional cold storage expansion, changing market conditions allowed us to reach a final agreement with Farmland Preservation authorities to protect the entire parcel. This land now connects with surrounding preserved properties, safeguarding our agricultural heritage and maintaining the rural character that defines our community.
As we move forward, my administration remains committed to responsible growth, fiscal discipline, and preserving the quality of life that makes South Harrison Township such a special place to live. These accomplishments are the result of collaboration with my fellow committee members, our municipal staff, our public safety professionals, our county partners, and the engaged residents we are honored to serve.
It is a privilege to serve as your Mayor, and I remain dedicated to leading our Township with transparency, accountability, and integrity.
Joseph M Marino
Mayor South Harrison Twp
