By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
The Lawrence chapter of the League of Women Voters is planning a special session Monday night that is dedicated to informing residents about Lawrence Township’s municipal budgeting process.
The LWV has invited Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun to explain how the municipal budget is prepared at the 7 p.m. meeting. It will be held in Meeting Room 3 at the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library on East Darrah Lane.
”The League of Women Voters of Lawrence Township is proud to sponsor this event, as it is in the interest of educating the public,” said LWVLT member Sue Varga. “Attendees will hear first-hand from our municipal manager on how their tax dollars are used this year.”
Ms. Varga said the Lawrence chapter of the League of Women Voters encourages residents to come to the presentation to learn about fiscal spending in Lawrence Township. The presentation will address the 2012 budget and future budgets.
The proposed $42.3 million municipal budget for 2012, which was prepared by Mr. Krawczun but must be approved by Township Council, carries a 5-cent increase in the municipal tax rate. Under state law, the tax rate increase is limited to 2 percent.
But Township Council is prepared to seek an additional 9-cent increase at a special referendum next month. Township officials have said the additional 9-cent increase is needed to prevent wiping out the township’s surplus fund, which is used to offset tax rate increases.

