Washington Township council members say the recent vote to adopt their municipal budget was not an easy one.
“No one’s happy with any type of increase, but we need to be transparent to you citizens of Washington Township, to make sure you are aware of what we’re doing for the best interests of the town,” said Councilman Richard Bennett of the new budget’s tax rate hike at a meeting on July 24.
He also noted that the township administration is making sure to be fiscally responsible and looking at costs – not just now – but down the line.
The approved 2024 spending plan comes in at $51.04 million, a $2.52-million increase over last year’s $48.52 million. During the introduction of the budget at a council session in June, Mayor Laurie Burns said, “this budget proposed the highest increase we’ve seen in recent years.”
“This decision was not made lightly,” she added. “It reflects the reality that without new revenue, we would be forced to make deep cuts that would affect every aspect of our township’s operations, from public safety and public works to our parks and community programs.”
The 2023 surplus was $5 million, but this year’s is $4.25 million, with a remaining balance of $556,952.47. Local revenues total $6.99 million, state aid is at $4.57 million and ratables at $4.72 million.
The tax rate goes from $0.065 to $0.709. For a home assessed at $100,000, the local increase will be $64.51. For a home assessed at $350,000, the number is $225.78, and for one assessed at $500,000, the increase is $322.55.
Councilman Johnson “Jack” Yerkes III acknowledged that a lot of work went into putting together the budget.
“A big applause has to go out to all the department heads who went through their budgets,” he said. ” … Some cuts were made. I’m sure everyone who has a budget at home has seen an increase in groceries, gasoline, insurance, medical … We are all affected by it.
“Unfortunately, as we found out, revenue couldn’t keep up with the increases.”
By making adjustments now, the mayor indicated, “We aim to position Washington Township for a more sustainable and more resilient future.”
“It allows us to maintain essential services, invest in critical infrastructure (and) projects, and it supports initiatives that enhance the quality for life for all of our residents,” she added. “Also, we are committed to ensuring that this increase is managed with the utmost care and responsibility.”
Council President Peter Del Borrello III agreed that no one wants taxes to go up.
“I have three children under the age of 5 …” he observed. “I’d rather use (that tax increase) on them. We got here because of a past administration that unfortunately didn’t manage money properly.”
Del Borrello III added that if council had not approved the tax increase, it would have to propose massive layoffs.
“I can’t name one person that isn’t working hard for you,” he said. “They do more of a job than any mayor, council can do to keep this town running.”
