The 2013 municipal budget for Shamong was released at June’s township committee meeting. If passed as presented, the average homeowner in the township will pay approximately $44 more per year in municipal taxes.
This year’s budget saw a drop in total general revenues from $2.73 million to $2.58 million, an increase in salaries and wages of $29,000 and an increase in capital improvements by $25,000.
The reserve for uncollected taxes saw an increase of $28,000. The number of township employees is expected to remain at 30, matching 2012. Also released in the budget was a balance of the township’s outstanding debt. The balance is $279,825, reflecting a principal of $240,721 with interest of $39,104.
In other news:
• The township’s regular committee meeting will be held Wednesday, July 10 at 7:30 p.m. The meeting, originally scheduled for July 2, needed to be rescheduled to allow the necessary 28-day waiting period between when the budget is introduced and when its second reading can take place.
• The seemingly endless saga with Public Service Electric and Gas over clear-cutting that took place in the spring is nearing a resolution.
A written agreement with PSE&G is expected to be authorized at the next meeting.
In the meantime, PSE&G has adopted a less involved policy, limited mostly to the trimming of trees for safety purposes.
• The committee elected to apply for a $28,000 grant to upgrade the computers and other infrastructure for both the
Indian Mills Volunteer Fire Company and EMS services. $14,000 would be funded federally with the other half being matched by the fire company.
• The committee adopted an ordinance to update and amend certain fees throughout the township.
Increases in fees include a price of $15 for the first certified copy of any document and $5 for any additional copy. Developers will pay a $75 escrow fee and $500 per lot for review by the township engineer. Solicitors and peddlers must pay a $100 fee.
Dog licenses will be $10 if purchased or renewed by Jan. 31, but an additional $10 after that date. If the dog has not been spayed or neutered, an additional $3 will be assessed.
Opening roads will carry a fee of $150 for up to two square yards, and $10 for each additional square yard.
