State Aid Stays Flat for Hopatcong, Sparta

Both Hopatcong and Sparta will see the same amount of state funding they received last year, as New Jersey’s overall funding for municipalities remained flat.

Hopatcong will receive $953,720 for the coming fiscal year to add to its budget, and Sparta Township will be given $1,293,225, according to state figures.

The state’s overall funding came in the amount of $1.364 billion.

Property taxes rose 2.4-percent, on average, statewide in 2011, followed by a 1.4-percent average in 2012, the governor’s office said.

“This preserved funding means no town in the state will see a decrease in formula municipal aid for the upcoming year. It also demonstrates that municipal aid is a core priority of my Administration,” said Governor Christie in a statement.

“Together with bipartisan reforms such as the 2% property tax cap, pension and health benefits changes, and a 2% cap on interest arbitration awards, we are delivering real relief to property taxpayers in New Jersey as evidenced by two consecutive years of the smallest property tax increases in two decades.”