By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff writer
A precedent was set at the Township Committee meeting on Monday night. The $36.6 million 2011 municipal budget was introduced with no tax increase, which has not happened in more than 30 years.
Despite a $427,689 shortfall in tax revenues, the tax rate will remain flat and services untouched, said Jim Pascale, township administrator. Princeton University’s Fair Share contribution of $500,000 earlier this year plugged the shortfall.
The current tax rate of 47 cents per $100 of assessed value will remain unchanged. Taxpayers will raise $21,717,067 of the amount.
Debt service, pensions and police salaries will see the highest increases in spending, with $308,479, $306,063 and $127.942, respectively.
For savings, a second year of salary freezes continue and employee layoffs took place last year. One full-time public works employee and two part-time positions were eliminated.
In joint services, the township will pay 1 percent more for services paid on a ratables basis, such as the library.
”The splits for the joint agencies can change each year because it is based on assessed valuations,” said Kathryn Monzo, chief financial officer. “Those change year to year.”
Borough-administered joint services include a 2 percent salary increase.
”It’s a good budget, it’s lean,” she said. “I was glad we were able to do it without reducing services.”
The Citizens Finance Advisory Committee talked about several one-time things in the budget for this year and urged continued vigilance with the township finances.
The budget does include unfilled positions, but some savings will be realized, depending upon the new employees start date.
The public hearing on the budget will be April 25.
In other financial news, the Township Committee introduced ordinances for capital improvements. The bond ordinances would authorize the borrowing of $2,189,200 and $48,000.
Cherry Valley Road improvements make up the largest chunk of the request at $730,000 cost to Princeton Township. This figure includes improvements from Griggs Drive to Route 206 that would eliminate the drainage ditches along the road, widen the road and add curbing, said Robert Kiser, township engineer.
It would also connect the pathway, a six-foot-wide walkway from Cherry Valley, along Princeton Avenue across Route 206, making it possible to walk to downtown Princeton Borough on a continuous pathway system.
The next largest project will be Grover Avenue from Terhune Road to Clearview Avenue and Roper Road, which will see similar improvements with repair and resurfacing and curbing, with $670,000. Battle Road West and Battle Road Circle will also see $340,000 of roadway improvements with drainage, curbing and resurfacing.
Also included in the $2 million bonding is funding for a new front-end loader for the Public Works Department.
The $48,000 is dedicated for sidewalks along both sides of Hillside Avenue.

