Haddonfield commissioners approved the 2013 municipal budget, which results in an $89 increase in taxes per year for the average assessed home of $491,359.
The budget is increasing 1.32 percent to $15.5 million.
State funding is flat, at $981,000, for the third consecutive year, according to the budget document.
According to the document, the largest line item showing a significant increase is health benefits, which are increasing $237,000.
According to Commissioner Jeff Kasko, by switching benefits to the state’s program, the borough would save on prescription costs, but the plans offered could not be accepted until the most recent contract expires.
“Our collective party agreements with both unions do not allow us to change midstream in a contract unless it is exactly the same and it is exactly the same cost,” Kasko said.
Significant cuts had to be made to keep the budget within the state-mandated 2 percent cap.
Appropriation cuts include principal debt services decreasing by $582,000, legal fees by $56,000, utilities by $49,400, reserve for uncollected taxes by $30,546, solid waste collection by $20,000. Library appropriations have remained the same.
Overall appropriations have increased 1.38 percent to $15.25 million, excluding state and federal grants.
Commissioners agreed that every year the budget poses difficulties. This year, they faced a decrease of $19 million in assessed property values.
According to Commissioner Ed Borden, the borough tried to be as conservative with the budget as possible.
To view a full copy of the 2013 budget, visit www.haddonfieldnj.org.
The next commissioner’s meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 14.
