The Deptford Township council held a regular public meeting on March 14 that included introduction of the 2022 municipal budget and its proposed tax rate increase.
“We work on the budget all year round,” Mayor Paul Medany said. “We try to keep our property taxes extremely stable. Last year, we didn’t even raise the local tax. But we can’t do that every single year, especially this year, with the anticipated rise in fuel costs, utility costs and even buying vehicles.
“Costs are increasing rapidly, so right now, the introduction has a slight increase in the local tax,” he added. “The local portion of the property tax bill in Deptford is, per month, lower than a cable bill. The average local tax is about $132, and most people’s cable bills are $230.”
The tax hike will result in continued benefits to the community, according to Medany.
“With that, we support all of the local municipal services,” he noted. “Public safety, trash, streetlights, roads – we can go on and on.”
An ordinance was also introduced at the meeting that allows the township to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limits for this year. Final adoption of the budget is not expected until April.
In other news:
- Council also introduced an ordinance that authorizes cost recovery for police services associated with excessive shoplifting calls. Resolutions were also passed to exempt disabled veterans from payment of real estate taxes.
- Deptford will recognize New Jersey Local Government Week beginning the week of April 3.
- A retail cannabis license was confirmed by the council for Columbia Care New Jersey, with all conditions imposed by the township complied with.
Council will hold a work session on Monday, March 28, to prepare for the April regular council meeting. More information on the public meeting date will be updated on the township’s website.
