Twp. Committee Approves 2011 Municipal Budget With 2.89 Percent Increase in Taxpayers' Contribution
Rising pension costs, lots of snow and loss of interest income cited as some of this year's budget pressures.
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Pointing to increases in state pension costs, a $100,000 overrun in snow removal costs and other increases in costs and losses in revenue, the Township Committee voted on Tuesday to approve a $35.6 million municial budget which would raise the municipal tax levy for the first time in five years.
This year's municipal budget relies on taxpayers for a $17 million contribution, a 2.89 percent increase above 2010.
The increase in the tax levy from $16.6 million for last year's budget would add about $58 onto the municipal portion of the tax bill for an average township home, assessed at $518,059.60.
However, Township Administrator Bruce McArthur and other township officials pointed out the municipal portion of local property tax bills is still less than it was in 2005, at $1,342.25 for this year on the average assessed home, compared with $1,372.01 for a comparable home in 2005. Home assessments have continued to drop in recent years, McArthur noted.
Township officials said the municipality is alone in the state in reducing its tax levy over a five-year run through last year, and has controlled taxes by reducing staff and declining to take on additional debt payments.
"We have controlled taxes and spending...a tougher job every single year," said Township Committeeman John Carpenter. "We also managed to pay off our general debts."
Except for open space investments funded through a separate open space tax, the township will be completely debt free by Nov. 1 of this year, McArthur said on Tuesday.
Figures released by the township on Tuesday put the largest single budget increase for 2011 at $134,000 for pension costs required by the state.
The township also added another $100,000 to the 2011 budget to cover unanticipated extra costs for snow and ice removal this past winter. An increase in group health insurance added another $85,661 and a 2.31 percent increase in this year's police department budget added $95,530, according to township figures.
At the same time, interest income on reserves and surplus funds has dwindled to an anticipated $45,000 for this year, even less than last year's $54,000, McArthur said. In 2005, the township could expect to earn about $1 million in interest income, he said.
The municipal tax portion of a local property tax bill is about 16 percent, according to figures from McArthur.
LC
2:17 pm on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
I will be sure to vote "no" on the school budget today...
Prophet2
6:03 pm on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
When the housing market skyrocketed and hit its peak township officials raced to increase our taxes...now that the housing market dropped nearly in half ..we still pay at the peak assessment levels? Now you want to raise them again when many people can't afford basic necessities do to not having a job or being under employed. I watch the expendatures on unnecessary items go thru the roof....Why dont we downsize or think of ways to reduce the budget...you always come up with some lame excuse..pension cost....etc. If you reduce the police by 25% a great savings would occour...you dont need a large police force in a low crime area.......we couild share services with other municipalities when overwhelming force is needed to bust some pot smokers! If you look at what the high priced budget items are you see the same, school costs. You need to understand ..there is great waste in this area.......my solution would be to use the technological advances in computer training to begin a program with self paced learning at home....Kids spend so much time on the computer , why not use it for educational purposes and delelop a world class training program and reduce the need for all day babysitting by our teachers. So lets see...reduce the police force ( half the tim e a see them sitting in their cars doing traffic safety, a security guard with a bright vest could do the same at a fraction of the costs!) plus the computer home based training would illimate the need for so many teachers.
bernie jewson
9:26 am on Thursday, April 28, 2011
For someone who seems to have all the answers you should be willing to put your name to it! My name is Bernie Jewson. I don't claim to have a solution for all your gripe but as for the school system in Bernards Twsp. It's worth every dime to me. Just look at the test scores. As for the police department, those officers doing traffic safety are being paid by the contractor, not the town. Also remember Bernards Twsp is surrounded by highways, 287, 202, 78. We are a prime target for undesirable people to come in to our neighborhoods steal, deal and get out fast. The police department is that thin blue line that keeps you from them. So enjoy the life you lead in your little bubble...it will pop someday.