Of average tax increase increase only $1.17 is due to municipal budget
by Jane Meggitt, Special Writer
MILLSTONE — The owner of the average house assessed at $450,468 will pay an extra $137.00 per year in local property taxes under the 2013 budget passed unanimously at the June 19 Township Committee meeting.
Of the nearly $140 increase, only $1.17 is attributable to the municipal budget itself as the remaining increase results from school, county and fire district taxes.
The municipal tax, accounting for 6.34 percent of the budget, rose by 6.35 percent, for a total of $743.27. During a budget presentation prior to the vote, Township administrator Thomas Antus explained that the municipal tax increase was not due to the township budget, which remains flat, but because the average home price in the township has increased from $449,756 in 2012.
Mr. Antus also pointed out that the average homeowner will pay $11,853.14 in taxes this year, up from $11,716.14 last year. Of that figure, 73.26 percent, or $8,643.13, is for school taxes, an amount that is not under the control of the township but is determined by the Millstone Township Board of Education. The school amount increased by $97.77 from 2012.
Monmouth County taxes account for 14.4 percent of the increase, or $1,722.57. The amount listed is the same as last year, but the actual amount of county taxes had not been determined by press time.
The fire district tax comprises 3.72 percent of the budget and is up by 4.04 percent, or $37.63, for a total of $473.89.
The open space tax, comprising 2.3 percent of the budget, rose by 2.31 percent or 43 cents, for a total of $270.28.
Mr. Antus said the increase of the average price of a home in the township is a good economic indicator.
”In this economy, if your home is stable and [it’s price] goes up, it’s a good thing,” according to Mr. Antus.
The 2013 municipal budget of $6,111,891 is $7,326.65 under the 2 percent cap permitted by state law, for a total increase of $69,263.01.
Mr. Antus said that some costs, such as capital improvements and debt service, do not fall under cap guidelines.
This year’s budget includes $1.29 million in capital projects $800,00 of which are designated for road improvements. Other planned capital projects include $105,000 for the acquisition of generators for municipal buildings; $50,000 in technology upgrades; $95,000 for Department of Public Works vehicles and equipment and $240,000 for improvements to the Millstone-owned former Clarksburg Methodist Episcopal Church on Route 524.
Mr. Antus said the church suffered significant water damage from Hurricane Sandy last year. While the insurance company will pay for fixing the roof, it was determined that the basic structure of the circa 1844 building can’t support a new roof, so requires improvements, he said.
He further noted that the township has accomplished “substantial savings” by sharing services with other towns. For instance, Millstone has animal control and vehicle maintenance and repair contracts with neighboring Manalapan, and uses the services of the Monmouth County Health Department.
The township also contracts out signage and some DPW utility equipment with Freehold Township, while grass cutting is provided through shared services with the Millstone Township Board of Education.

