BARNEGAT – Residents tired of uninvited solicitors knocking on their doors now have a formal way to stop them, following action taken by the Township Committee at its most recent meeting.
The governing body unanimously adopted a “Do Not Knock Registry” ordinance, giving residents the ability to place their addresses on a list that bars licensed solicitors, peddlers, and door-to-door salespeople from approaching their homes. The measure adds a new section to the township’s existing local law governing “Canvassers, Solicitors and Mobile Vendors,” expanding that chapter to include what is now labeled Article III, the Do Not Knock Registry.
The move comes after a resident raised concerns at a February meeting, questioning why Barnegat did not already have what is commonly known as a no-knock registry.
Those who want to participate must complete an application through the Township Clerk’s office, providing basic information including the property address and whether they are the owner or occupant. A one-time $25 fee is required before the address is added to the registry.
Once enrolled, the address becomes part of a list that is updated twice a year and distributed to individuals and companies that receive permits to solicit within the township. Those license holders are prohibited from knocking on any property included on the registry. Residents may also purchase a sticker to display at their home, making their participation visible to would-be solicitors.
The ordinance includes some limitations. The registry does not apply to nonprofit, charitable, religious, or political organizations, which are still permitted to conduct door-to-door outreach. However, for commercial solicitors, the penalties for ignoring the registry are significant. Violators can face fines of up to $1,250 per offense, along with the potential loss of their license for one year and ineligibility to obtain a new license during that period.
Snow Removal Ordinance Updated
In addition to the solicitation rules, officials also addressed another issue that caused confusion this past winter by amending the snow removal ordinance. Under existing township rules, property owners are required to clear sidewalks within 12 hours of daylight after snow or ice accumulates, or to treat them with sand or similar material if removal is not possible. Sidewalks must be cleared to a minimum width of 24 inches.
The newly adopted amendment provides clarity for residents living in private communities, including many retirement developments, by recognizing the authority of homeowners associations. Where an HOA has its own rules governing sidewalk snow removal, those rules take precedence, and residents must follow the regulations established by their association. Officials said the change will help clarify who is responsible for clearing sidewalks in those communities while still maintaining a focus on public safety.
Town Budget And CFO’s Retirement
The township’s financial picture took center stage during the meeting, as officials formally adopted Barnegat’s 2026 municipal budget and marked the beginning of a leadership transition in the finance office.
The $37.2 million spending plan represents a 2.7 percent increase over last year, a figure officials said reflects rising costs while still maintaining fiscal discipline.
The municipal tax rate will increase by about two cents per $100 of assessed valuation on your property. This translates to an increase of roughly $54 for the year for the average home.
Chief Financial Officer Thomas Lombarski described the budget as sound and responsible, noting that it meets all pension and debt obligations while remaining within the state’s strict levy cap requirements. The township is operating well below that limit, with documents showing it comes in nearly $950,000 under the maximum allowed increase.
Much of the budget continues to rely on local property taxes, which account for more than $27.6 million of the total. At the same time, Barnegat is using $4.75 million in surplus to help stabilize the tax rate, an increase from the $3.98 million used last year. Additional revenue sources include $2.7 million in local revenues, just over $1 million in state aid, and smaller amounts from sources such as grants.
Spending priorities remain largely consistent, with public safety representing one of the biggest investments. Police salaries alone account for more than $9.1 million, underscoring the cost of maintaining staffing and services.
Another major pressure point comes from employee benefits. The township projects nearly $4.8 million in health insurance costs for 2026, a figure that continues to climb despite employee contributions helping to offset a portion of the expense.
The budget presentation carried added weight, as the CFO announced it would be the last one he delivers before retiring.
“For me, this will be the last one that I present before I retire,” Lombarski said, reflecting on more than a decade of managing township finances and delivering budgets on time each year.
Township Business Administrator Martin Lisella was the first of local officials to express accolades for Lombarski’s work. “For the last ten years, the increase was only a penny,” Lisella said. “The only reason it increased to 1.9 is because of healthcare. Tom has been and is admired by everyone in Ocean County as the best CFO in our county. We’re lucky that we’ve had him for 11 years.”
During the budget hearing, Chris Velders, a long time official with the Barnegat Fire Department spoke regarding Lombarski’s tenure. “I just wanted to say thank you, number one, both working with you on a professional level through the fire department as one of the leaders there,” he said. “I think that you have done a fantastic job. I pay a lot of attention to what goes on in town. You pinch every penny. I’ve had to explain a lot of things to you, which I don’t mind. And it was just a pleasure to see someone take so much pride in the fiscal responsibility in government.”
Lombarski’s successor, Stephanie Marlin, is already working in the finance department and will assume the CFO role when he retires.
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