By Amber Cox
MANSFIELD The average homeowner would see a $44.20 increase in municipal taxes if the 2011-12 municipal budget becomes final.
The Township Committee planned to meet yesterday, Wednesday to introduce the budget.
The proposed $6,684,000 budget is a decrease of over $350,000 from last year.
Residents assessed at the average $340,000 would pay a proposed 23.9 cents per $100 assessed for a total of $812.60. The current tax rate is 22.6 cents.
However, the township will have a referendum question, April 27, to exceed the 2 percent state-mandated cap for $90,000.
According to Chief Financial Officer Joe Monzo the referendum money would be used to fund and sustain the Mansfield Township First Aid Squad. He said this is the first time the township is having a referendum question.
If the referendum is approved the tax rate would increase to 24.6 cents or $68. Residents assessed at the average would pay $836.40.
”We believe that the squad is a vital service that must be sustained at its current service levels,” Mr. Monzo said.
Reductions in the budget include moving four full-time employees to part time, one layoff and continuing to close the building on Fridays from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
”These personnel moves will save $100,000,” Mr. Monzo said. “The remainder of the savings is from last year’s personnel moves that are now in effect for one full year.”
Voting for the referendum will take place during the school board elections on April 27, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Homestead, Four Seasons, the Mansfield Municipal Building and Northern Burlington High School.

