The public hearing on the budget will be held on Monday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
Cinnaminson Township Committee introduced the 2017 proposed municipal budget at last week’s meeting.
The total budget is $15.1 million, with $9.8 million to be raised through taxes.
While the total budget has increased from last year’s $14.5 million total, local taxes will decrease. Residents with the average home valued at $232,200 will save approximately $25 on municipal taxes in 2017 compared to 2016. The amount to be raised through taxes will decrease by $189,394.
According to Township CFO Julia Edmondson, the township was able to reduce the budget amount to be raised through taxes by building the surplus.
“I am proud to announce that with fiscal restraint and an eye to the future, we have crafted a budget that will cut taxes for our residents while continuing to make Cinnaminson a better place to raise a family, start a business and retire with dignity,” Mayor Anthony Minniti said.
The budget supports all current operations with no layoffs or service reductions and includes nearly $1 million in roadway improvements, including paving and signage. The budget is also under the state appropriation cap by $900,137 and maintains the township’s bond rating.
“In formulating this year’s municipal budget, Cinnaminson developed a two-year look ahead to conservatively forecast ratables and project budgetary needs,” Township auditor Robert P. Nehila, Jr. said. “This approach provided the foundation in developing a stable budget for 2017 and a platform for 2018.”
In addition to public safety investments, the budget includes technology upgrades for the Cinnaminson Library and a new soccer field at Memorial Park — a combined cost of approximately $100,000.
Minniti added that, on average, Cinnaminson residents pay 25 percent less in local taxes than neighboring communities, including Delran, Palmyra, Maple Shade, Edgewater Park and Riverton.
Multitasking and combining positions are reasons Cinnaminson is able to keep local taxes low, according to Minniti. For example, the township administrator also serves as the director of public safety, and the chief financial officer holds multiple positions as well.
“It’s a reflection of the effort of the staff,” Minniti said, adding the township is working to provide the most return on every dollar spent.
The public hearing on the budget will be held on Monday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Municipal Building after a presentation on the budget. This will give the public the opportunity ask questions or express concerns on the proposed budget before it is officially adopted.
