Safety Funding Increased in 2023 Berkeley Municipal Budget

BERKELEY, NJ — The Berkeley Township Council adopted their 2023 municipal budget, with officials boasting that it maintains the same level of services residents are used to with no tax increase.

The $56.3 million budget, up about $2.1 million from 2022, was unanimously adopted at a special meeting held July 3, after a presentation was given by Mayor Carmen Amato.

"This is a good, fiscally responsive budget," Amato said.

It comes with a .705 tax rate, which is the same as 2022. Residents will see a $2.32 tax bill per $100K assessed.

In the budget is funding for 80 police officers, an increase in safety, Amato said.

"The safety and security of our residents is paramount," he said.

The budget cuts operating expenses slightly, and has a revenue increase from more ratables.

There is also a "record amount of infrastructure improvements," Amato said.

Residents spoke to share how pleased they were with the budget, particularly as the time of adoption means that estimated tax bills will not have to be sent out. This will save the township about $30,000, Amato said.

You can read the entire budget online here.