By Kaitlyn Kanzler, Special Writer
CRANBURY — A resolution to formally introduce the $11.2 million 2013 budget was approved at the Feb. 25 Township Committee meeting.
The proposed budget, which officials say will not increase the tax rate, is $11,295,232, an increase of $902,995 from last year’s $10,822,802.38 budget.
According to the proposed budget, the township anticipates using $1,359,922 of its surplus, which brings the remaining surplus balance to $2,095,625.75.
The surplus balance as of Dec. 31 is $3,455,547.75 as opposed to Jan. 2011’s beginning surplus of $4,078,538.17.
The township has received $944,392.85 in federal and state grants and is anticipated to receive $467,020 through energy receipts.
The township’s total local revenue is an estimated $1,721,855 with a majority of the funds coming from the municipal court — $174,058.
An additional $90,000 in local revenue is from interest on investments and deposits, according to officials.
Several other local revenue sources include alcohol licenses, fees and permits and interest and costs on taxes.
The township has an anticipated total of $260,166 in special revenue items with prior written consent from the state, including $255,000 coming from the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School program, which is down $248,575.68 from 2012.
The township also has an anticipated total of $999,103.83 in revenue from special items with anticipated written consent including $140,000 in the capital fund balance.
The township has a total general revenue of $11,295,931.98.
According to the proposed budget document, the township has a six-year ongoing capital improvement plan. The total cost of capital improvement projects is $16,666,000, which will be spread out over six years.
The anticipated projects for 2013 include the Brainerd Lake dam and bridge project, which is predicted to start this spring, the purchase of the Protinick farmland easement and improvements to the sewer system, according to officials.
The cost of the 2013 projects will be $2,385,000 with $340,000 funded in future years and $47,800 reserved from prior years.
An estimated $99,860 will come from the capital improvement fund.
A public hearing on the budget will take place March 26 at 7 p.m. instead of the previously scheduled meeting of March 25.
A copy of the proposed budget is available on the township’s website at www.cranburytownship.com.

