Residents with average assessed home value will pay approximately $1,380 annually
Council adopted the township’s 2017 municipal budget on second reading at last week’s meeting. The budget has no municipal tax increase.
The $38.77 million budget is an increase of approximately $450,000 from the 2016 budget of $38.3 million. According to Mayor Joann Gattinelli, this is due to an increase in local revenues and fees pertaining to new development, such as abandoned properties, construction fees and permit fees.
Residents with an average assessed home value of $210,000 can expect to pay approximately $1,380 in municipal tax. Gattinelli said during her presentation at the proposal meeting, although the budget went up, an increase in appropropriations and revenues due to redevelopment and economic development are what allow the tax rate to remain flat.
The 2017 municipal budget will utilize $2.1 million of surplus, however, approximately $1.8 million from 2016 reserves, plus projected revenue surplus can restore the money used.
The budget includes various capital improvements, appropriating approximately $5.8 million. These projects include improvements for the police department, such as 12 additional police vehicles, a new police station road sign, and exterior and interior building renovations. There will also be continuation of the road program, new software for the zoning and construction department and recreational facility and road upgrades.
Council adopted the ordinance allowing these capital improvements, along with the issuance of approximately $5.5 million in general improvement bonds or notes.
“I was proud to see all council work well together to pass the municipal budget at hand. This is only the beginning of our administration, and I feel confident we are all in our positions to do what is best for the residents of Washington Township,” Gattinelli said.
Prior to the public hearing and adoption, Gattinelli and members of the administration and council held public workshops and meetings for residents to share comments and concerns, or pose questions in regard to the budget. Gattinelli credits the input and collaboration from the community for the adoption on Wednesday.
“I believe our transparency with our budget workshops for the public, budget hearings with council and additional calls and questions was the reason for our adoption Wednesday night,” Gattinelli said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in the preparation of the budget. I truly appreciate all of your hard work and effort.”
In other news:
• Council passed a resolution authorizing a shared service agreement with Gloucester County to provide a family-oriented movie on June 30 at Washington Lake Park. “The Secret Life of Pets” will be played in the amphitheater at dark.
• Council passed a resolution awarding a contract to WatchGuard Video through Patrol PC for the purchase of 13 Vista HD body cameras with warranties, software, hardware and licensing. The total cost to deliver the products is approximately $45,500.
