SPRINGFIELD: Township eyes 2-cent tax rate hike

By Amber Cox
   SPRINGFIELD — The Township Committee unanimously introduced its $3.1 million 2011-12 municipal budget April 14. Residents would see a 2-cent tax rate hike if the budget is approved.
   Residents assessed at the average $321,400 would pay a proposed 37.9 cents per $100 assessed for a total of $1,218.11 in municipal taxes, an increase of $64. The current tax rate is 35.9 cents per $100.
   Mayor Denis McDaniel said the tax levy is increasing by a little over $83,000. The increase in the tax levy allows for $56,878 for uncollected taxes, $18,399 for police pensions, $6,282 for employee pension costs and $8,000 more for fuel costs.
   There is also $27,000 being allocated for snow removal costs.
   Committeeman David Frank said the budget doesn’t require any layoffs or furloughs.
   ”It doesn’t reduce any of the services that we provide to the public,” he said. “It doesn’t reduce the funds we provide to each of the fire companies or the emergency squad.”
   Mr. Frank also said township will continue collecting trash and continue the 24-hour, 7 days a week police service that it currently supplies.
   However, Mr. Frank said he wishes the township had more money to fund things like road maintenance.
   ”Every year I say that’s important,” he said.
   Mayor McDaniel said “we have a responsibility up here to try to be conservative.”
   ”I think everybody knows we try to do that but we can’t save forever, so we do have a slight tax increase this year,” he said.
   A public hearing on the budget will be held May 11.