Community Corner

Township Searching for Private Money for Christmas Decorations

Supporters ask the Moorestown Business Association to supplement the township's holiday outlay.

In an attempt to save money without dampening anyone’s Christmas spirit, the township is trying to find private donors to supplement its holiday decorations.

Acting Township Manager Tom Merchel said the decorations the appearance committee is recommending this year cost a little less than $30,000, but they're only looking to spend $17,500, primarily to save money, but also to avoid having to bid out the purchase. Anything over $17,500 has to be bid, per state guidelines, according to Merchel.

He said the appearance committee suggested the Moorestown Business Association (MBA) as one possible candidate for contributions, though he was unsure how much the group might be able to give.

According to Merchel, the indication was the MBA would be “comfortable” with $5,000, but providing $10,000 or fronting the remaining $12,500 would be a challenge.

MBA president Mark Morgan was slightly more reserved in his estimation of how much the MBA might be able to afford.

“‘Possible’ is a better word than ‘doable,’” he said of the $5,000 figure. “They wanted us to put up the rest or whatever we could.”

Morgan said the association tries to make some sort of contribution to the town every year and suggested helping pay for the Christmas lights and decorations could be MBA’s contribution this year. But the MBA first needs a formal proposal from the township.

The appearance committee has recommended wrapping the 61 lampposts that line Main Street with what committee chair Neil Johnson called "swag"—artificial greens decorated with lights and colored balls.

Town Council directed Merchel and the appearance committee to search for as many sources of private funding as possible, but stressed the importance of making sure shopping for decorations on a budget doesn’t make for a lackluster downtown during the holidays.

“Typically I’d like to see more private money,” said Councilman Chris Chiacchio, “but with this small amount, this is an important investment in our downtown.”


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