The Shamong Township Committee introduced the 2015 tentative municipal budget at the meeting on April 7. The budget, totaling $2.75 million, saw an increase of nearly $153,000 from 2014. There was an increase in salaries and wages of $19,866 and a decrease in capital improvements of $48,000.
The anticipated revenue for the township is $2.3 million, leaving $426,045.61 to be raised by local taxation. This will mean an increased tax rate of 1.6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, resulting in an annual municipal tax increase for residents of $50 on a house assessed at the township average of $308,000.
The reserve for uncollected taxes totaled $361,553.06. The balance of the township’s outstanding debt is $349,556.60, reflecting a principal of $312,621.78 with interest of $36,934.82.
A large resolution that was discussed in detail at the meeting was the road micro-surfacing project. The township is exploring various alternatives to address improving and repairing road conditions within the municipality.
“This is phase one of the deal that we plan to have done by the end of the year,” Mayor Kenneth Long said.
The township desires to pursue micro-surfacing as a long-term cost-saving measure after reviewing information on the benefits of micro-surfacing to extend the life of certain roads of adequate condition.
“We are looking to stop the bleeding before these roads get away from us and cost two to four times as much,” Township Administrator Susan Onorato said.
In other news:
• The Rabies Clinic for March 21 has been rescheduled to April 25 due to a problem with the rabies vaccine.
• There was a report of mercury in the well on Grassy Lake Road that could very well be natural occurring mercury but will be tested. The two properties on each side of the house and three additional properties behind it will be tested, and the results of these tests will be examined.
• Baker Field lights are back running after being inspected and approved. A timer has been set for 11 p.m. to provide ample time for teams to finish their games.
• A hearing on the budget and tax resolution will be held at the Municipal Building on May 5 7:30 p.m., at which time objections to the budget and tax resolution may be presented by the public.
