For Immediate Release – March 19, 2018
MIDDLETOWN, NJ – The Middletown Township Committee is expected to introduce a zero percent tax increase at the Township Committee meeting this evening. The proposed 2018 municipal budget represents an ongoing commitment to minimizing costs while maximizing revenue and services. The 2018 budget includes the $5.6 million for solid waste that was not part of 2017’s municipal levy. The 2017 budget had a separate special tax for solid waste that has been eliminated with this 2018 budget.
“The Township Committee and I are committed to putting taxpayers first and have made a consistent effort to cut costs without sacrificing core government services,” said Mayor Stephanie C. Murray. “Despite rising costs of approximately $2.3 million from pensions and other obligations, the Township Committee was able to sharpen the pencil to avoid any further strain on our residents and taxpayers.”
Key drivers to the budget this year include several hundred thousand dollars in healthcare savings due to innovative changes to the Township healthcare programs, shared services agreements with other municipalities, and governmental agencies and operational savings in snow removal costs.
Key Budget Facts:
- State-mandated pension costs increased approximately $650,000.
- Vehicle fleet maintenance increased $266,000.
- Park maintenance increased $85,000.
- Based on the budgeted amount, insurance costs, primarily health insurance, have decreased $535,000 or 5.6%.
- The Township continues to realize savings through a variety of revenue-enhancing shared service agreements with other municipalities (including Fair Haven, Hazlet, Highlands and Holmdel), the Middletown Board of Education, and Monmouth County. The shared service agreement with Monmouth County for dispatch services and road repairs and improvements also continues to be a cost savings.
- Legal fees decreased $165,000.
- The 2018 proposed municipal budget is well below the state-mandated levy cap and remains in full conformance with the state levy cap law.
- The Township budget makes up approximately 21% of the average property tax bill. The remaining portion relates to the school and County tax levies.
- On average, Middletown Township’s annual tax levy increases have been minimal and among the lowest in Monmouth County over the last decade.
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