Community Corner

Average Municipal Tax Bill Could Increase $59

Council introduces a $78 million budget with the lowest proposed tax increase in 10 years.

The average homeowner’s municipal taxes could rise $59, the lowest increase in a decade, if the council approves its $78 million budget.

The council voted 8-1 Wednesday to introduce the proposed $78 million spending plan, which includes a $59.8 million tax levy, the portion of the budget funded by property taxes. Second Ward Councilman Al Sadowski voted against introducing it.

Mayor Chris Vergano said the $59 increase is the lowest proposed tax increase in the past 10 years. The average home is valued at $229,000.

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“It's never good when you have a tax increase, but in order for us to run the government and provide the services that our residents have grown accustomed to, I will tell you it is becoming more and more difficult,” Vergano said.

The average homeowner’s taxes increased $89 in 2011 and $99 in 2012.

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Vergano said revenues have deceased in recent years. The township lost $27 million in assessed valuations in 2012 due to tax appeals.

“We’ve seen other revenues decrease over the years,” Vergano said.

The town will receive $4.3 million in state aid for the 2014 fiscal year, the same amount it received last year.

The “other expenses” portion of the budget has been reduced by 1.4 percent.

Salaries and wages could increase less than one half of one percent. The slight increase is attributable to changes to the various collective bargaining agreements and eliminating six positions.

Vergano said 32 full-time positions have been eliminated since he became mayor in 2008.

“In this economy, when you see the revenue portion, it’s getting more and more difficult to run a government,” Vergano said. “The question has to be asked: For $59, is it worth all the services that we’re providing the community? I believe the answer is yes.”

More than $1.3 million would have to be cut from the budget in order for taxes not to increase.

A public presentation on the budget will be held in a couple of weeks. A packet showing the proposed budget and a break down by line item will be mailed to residents soon.

Council President Nadine Bello said all nine council members would review the budget. She said it in the best interests of the township that every councilperson submit his or her comments and concerns regarding the budget.

The budget will be approved in May or June.

— Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Daniel Hubbard at Daniel.Hubbard@patch.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter. For news straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.


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