Township Mayor Outlines Some of the Budget Numbers

Washington Township Mayor Janet Sobkowicz explained some of the major numbers in the municipal spending plan during a budget meeting Thursday night.

She laid out the most up to date information she had, but told councilmen that "most of these numbers are pretty firm but not written in stone" since it depends on state action.

Sobkowicz said as of last week, the township had $1,237,000 in excess revenue, more than what the auditor had originally told her. The township is expecting to get $713,525 in state aid, the same amount as in 2010, but Sobkowicz said there has been "no confirmation of that."

The township valuation decreased $24 million, Sobkowicz said, resulting in a loss of $435,000 in tax revenue. In addition, she said that the township had to return $244,000 to residents after tax appeals.

The tax collection rate in the township, which was 98.24 percent last year, may also decrease in 2011. "The auditor informed me he doesn't think it's going to be as good this year," Sobkowicz said.

The mayor outlined some budget increases for the council:

• Payment into the pension system increased 26 percent from $136,000 to $171,000.
• Police payments rose 13 percent from $587,000 to $662,000.
• Leaf removal and transport went up $22,000, bringing the total to $108,000.
• Recycling pickup increased 13 percent from $95,000 to $107,000.

Sobkowicz said health insurance costs are expected to rise between 15 and 17 percent but she was unsure of the dollar amount.

Of the figures she outlined, Sobkowicz said $33,000 was inside the mandated 2 percent property tax cap while the other $110,000, plus the cost of health insurance, is exempt from the cap.

"The whole budget is under the 2 percent inside the cap," Sobkowicz said.

The next budget meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6 p.m. in the third floor conference room of the , 350 Hudson Ave.