Officials to Take Oath for New Year at Saturday Meeting

For a governing body that’s seen much contention and public angst in recent months because of proposed projects in town, the Washington Township Committee is looking to ring in the new year with a celebratory occasion this weekend.

The annual reorganization meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4 at the municipal building, where newcomer Donald Babb and incumbent James LiaBraaten will be sworn in to their three-year terms as committeemen.

Both were elected in November without opposition.

The single-year term of mayor and vice mayor is also up for vote. The committee has elected Ken Short and Bill Roehrich as mayor and vice, respectively, each of the past two years.

The township will then swear in officers for the three Washington Township fire companies as well as the Long Valley First Aid Squad.

Once all residents have been taken the oath of their individual offices, the township committee will focus on its agenda. The governing body is scheduled to approve resolutions that will renew shared services with Mansfield Township for information technology services, a shelter agreement with the Red Cross, and another shelter agreement with the Washington Township School District.

The meeting is open to the public and all residents are encouraged to attend.