Township Officials Introduce $12.5 Million Municipal Budget

Members of the Washington Township council unanimously approved the introduction of the 2011 municipal spending plan Monday night. The budget totals $12,467,816 with $8,613,251 to be raised through local taxes.

Taxpayers with an average home assessed at $543,000 will see a municipal tax increase of $32 for the year, according to the budget statement. That number represents a $40 increase for operations and an $8 decrease for the library.

The total 2011 budget is 2.9 percent greater than the 2010 spending plan, which was $12,116,509, according to CFO and Treasurer Jacqueline Do.

Mayor Janet Sobkowicz said the spending plan is well below the 2 percent tax levy cap, but she said she does have some concerns about the future.

"I'm a little bit concerned about 2012 because this year there were several fortuitous events to help us build up our surplus," Sobkowicz said. "The question is, what will help our surplus next year? So hopefully we can answer that question."

The anticipated surplus for 2011 is $1.12 million. In 2010, the surplus was $1.02 million.

One area of the budget Sobkowicz said she was not happy with was the reduction in pay for Acting Administrator Lilly Chin. The council and then to account for the first two months of 2011. Chin will now receive $64,000 for 2011 instead of $89,000.

"My question is how do you expect this person to have same positive spirit, work ethic and enthusiasm that she has exhibited in every aspect at her job?" Sobkowicz asked.

Council members previously said they reduced the pay to bring it more in line with what nearby municipalities provide for their acting administrators.

Residents are encouraged to voice any questions or concerns about the spending plan during the public hearing on the 2011 municipal budget, which is scheduled to take place at the May 23 council meeting, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the , 350 Hudson Ave.