The community was growing. In 1937 a kindergarten with 12 students began on the second floor of Borough Hall, and 90 older kids attended other schools. The town paid a librarian $150 per year
Chief Panz got some of his salary restored from two separate cuts and was now at $2,050. Sargent Millington was hired at $1,900. The patrolmen Enright and Special Officer Cornelius were both paid the same, $1,800.
The town purchased a new police car, this time a Plymouth coupe to replace the 1931 model. Panz had to justify the purchase by noting that the department had driven 23,000 miles in just one year patrolling the one-mile town. They did select the car which was advertised as using less gas and oil than most. All of the spending got the citizens riled up about the tax implications.
Charles Roberts, suffered a heart attack and died while on duty at the Waterworks. He had been the Marshal, Health Officer, Superintendent, and Assessor and he had served the town for 30 years. His brother was Monmouth County Sheriff. He had large shoes to fill. The borough hired the son of long-time patrolman John Cornelius. Clarence Cornelius had a long and impactful career in the Borough.
Clarence Cornielius was the new superintendant
A lively debate on the sale of the long list of tax liens found Mayor Doyle arguing that the town was prudent to be considering its options, rather than simply sell off the liens. H.H. Wellinbrink, who was president of the Taxpayers Association. (apparently the Civic Association was no longer confrontational and more of a social club). He suggested that the town was “protecting the delinquents taxpayers” and the “town’s credit would be embarrassed.”
Mayor Doyle took great offense to the suggestion he and council were protecting anyone and implied that they had worked hard to keep the town solvent during the past few very hard years. F.F. Schock of Spring Lake argued for the property owners under lien, warning that it was dangerous precedent to sell off the liens, because once you started, you could not turn down the next buyer. The meeting ended with reports of Sea Girt paying all of its bills and settling an outstanding note, all of which totaled over $12,000.
Mayor Doyle remarked sarcastically “and our credit is no good.” He did not seek a third term, and in September at the Republican primary which would easily determine the mayor, Ray Nellis was victorious in his bid to return to office with a message of fiscal conservation for the taxpayers.