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Budget calls for $105 increase on average home
(by Megan Burrow - May 20, 2008)
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Proposed budget
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General fund $11,657,153
Tax levy $8,477,449
Tax rate $0.443
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Average assessed home of $550,000
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Tax bill $2,435.50
Tax increase $105
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Assessed home of $300,000
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Tax bill $1,329
Tax increase $57
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Assessed home of $700,000
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Tax bill $3,101
Tax increase $133
Tax bills and increases do not include school or county taxes.
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The
Township of
Washington introduced its preliminary 2008 municipal budget Monday, May 12.
The budget totals $11,657,153, representing an increase of 388,858. Approximately $8,477,449 of the proposed budget will be raised though taxation. As the budget presently stands, the average property owner in the borough will see an increase of $105 over last year’s taxes.
“We’re disappointed that the tax to the homeowners is a high as it is,” commented Council President Joe Giardina in a phone interview.
“All towns under 10,000 [residents] are being hurt and we’re one of them. We’re trying to keep it low, but when the governor takes back $180,000 [of state aid] it becomes very difficult,” he explained.
The borough will use $1.1 million in surplus for tax relief and has $959,900 remaining. The municipal debt is at $1,154,995, up from $1,094,607.
Police Department salaries are dropping slightly from last year’s budget to $2,648,644, but Giardina said the decrease is not due to cuts in staff. Some of the items in the budget such as police and fire fighter retirement funds are out of municipal control and mandated by the state.
In the capital budget, the borough is spending a total of $654,500 on police department costs, including a new generator, radio system upgrades, and an upgrade to the security system. The fire department will receive $17,007 for turn out gear, $30,000 for retrofitting bathrooms for the handicapped, and $12,000 for repairs to the cab of engine 44. $200,000 will be spent on a new sanitation truck.
One million dollars has been set-aside for turf improvements and lighting. Giardina said this is a “just in case” measure, to ensure the town has the money available if the council decides to pursue improvements to municipal fields.
A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for June 16.
Megan Burrow's e-mail address is burrow@northjersey.com.
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