Upper Freehold tax rate stable
By: Frank C. D’Amico
UPPER FREEHOLD — Officials say an increase in township ratables has contributed to a stable municipal tax rate for 2000.
The Township Committee approved the $3.8 million budget at its May 4 meeting.
The budget will result in a tax rate of 18.5 cents per $100 of assessed property value — no increase from the previous year, said township Business Administrator Barbara Bascom.
Under the new budget, the owner of a house assessed at the township average of $208,000 would pay $385 in municipal taxes.
Municipal taxes make up one part of the overall property tax bill, along with county, school and open space taxes.
The new budget includes an increase of about $611,000 from last year, Ms. Bascom said.
Some factors contributing to the larger budget include the purchase of $150,000 worth of road work equipment for the Public Works Department. Additional road work on Millers Mill Road will cost the township $231,000, she said.
The township also acquired a sport utility vehicle for the Construction Department, she said.
Mayor Richard Osborn said increased revenue from new housing in the township was a benefit. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, there were 103 housing permits issued for 1999 in Upper Freehold. In 1998, there were 61.