Now that 2018 has come to a close I would like to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we are looking forward to in the year to come.
2018 was an exciting year for Wharton. We continued working on our road improvements plan and were able to complete a lot of road improvement projects, some which were funded through grants. Our focus on economic development and revitalizing our Main Street continued with completing a redevelopment study for Main Street that came about from the strategic planning meetings we had held with residents and businesses. Also, the Port Oram Tower development began construction, which is one of the components to revitalizing Main Street.
Recreation was another focus during 2018 with work on the Irondale Mountain Trails project, which was funded by a grant, continuing. The Borough is honoring our motto of "tradition with progress," by working on plans to update Memorial Park on Main Street. Throughout 2018, a Committee has been working on plans to update the park while maintaining the tradition and respect for our veterans. Our Municipal Alliance put on many great events throughout the year and Canal Day was another great success.
We continue to be financially sound, we are one of a handful of towns in New Jersey that are completely debt free. We also remain the second lowest municipal tax per capita in Morris County.
Our employees, Police Department, and DPW continue to be the best around. Our volunteers on the Fire Department, for Canal Day, for the Carnival, serving on our Boards, and for other events continue to make Wharton a great place to live and work. Our Council continues to be a great team who work together to make Wharton the best that it can be.
2019 looks to be another excellent year. We are planning on continuing work on roadway improvements, construction on Memorial Park is scheduled to begin, we have formed a committee to work on putting in a dog park in town, Langdon Avenue Park will be getting a facelift, and work on revitalizing Main Street will continue. With these projects and more, 2019 will be another great year for Wharton.