Politics & Government

Council Approves Budget With 0% Tax Increase

The budget was approved unanimously.

The township council unanimously approved its 2013 municipal budget Monday without much fanfare from both the administration and the residents themselves.

The , an increase of 1.26 percent over the 2012 budget of $38,451,229.13.

As proposed, residents will pay a municipal tax of $1,053 for a home assessed at the average value of $411,662. This is the same amount residents paid in 2012.

The council also approved a few amendments that were previously introduced, mostly housekeeping work based on vehicle damages sustained during Superstorm Sandy and grants received.

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Resident George Jones questioned whether $205,000 included in the budget for legal services is related to all types of litigation and contract services.

Chief Financial Officer Natasha Turchan said the costs include coverage for all litigation, including the T-Mobile cell tower litigation and the lawsuit filed by Al Falah.

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Township attorney William Savo said it also includes costs for labor council and more.

The council unanimously approved the 2013 budget.

"It's a 0 percent tax increase budget, and clearly a lot of effort was taken to cut costs where it was proper and budget appropriately," councilman Matthew Moench said. "I commend the administration on a job well done."

Councilman Filipe Pedroso agreed.

"It is certainly nice to pass a budget that has no tax increase," he said. "Whatever help we can give the residents is appreciated."


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