Public Hearing on School Budget With No Tax Increase Tonight

Members of the public will have an opportunity tonight (Monday, March 25) to comment on a proposed school budget that carries no tax increase for 2013-14.

The proposed spending plan keeps the tax levy flat at about $96.2 million and holds the tax rate firm at about $2.85 per $100 of assessed valuation.

Last year the which increased by 1.15 percent over 2011-12, but lowered the general fund tax levy by about $630,000. 

Over the last seven years, the school tax levy has increased by about $300,000, with the 2013-14 budget maintaining the tax levy at the same level for the fourth consecutive year in South Brunswick.

In terms of the equalized tax rate, which reflects the true market values of properties, South Brunswick rates as the 22nd lowest out of 25 municipalities in Middlesex County last year.

The ratio of assessed property value to market value has dropped from about 80 percent to 47 percent in South Brunswick over the last decade.

Last year, South Brunswick's 

The district highlighted a number of initiatives, including refinancing bond ordinances, switching health care providers, and an energy audit, which provided about $18.7 million in cost savings.

South Brunswick will see a for 2013-14 after a $1 increase as part of Gov. Chris Christie's budget.

This is the second budget process for the district since the Board of Education voted unanimously to move the annual school elections to November, thus eliminating a public vote for spending that falls within the 2 percent tax cap. 

The public hearing for the proposed 2013-2014 school budget will be held on Monday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Crossroads North Middle School, located at 635 Georges Road in Monmouth Junction.