Local budget calls for hike in Upper Freehold
by Jane Meggitt, Special Writer
UPPER FREEHOLD — If the recently introduced 2014 municipal budget is approved, the average homeowner in township will see a more than $400 jump in their local property taxes.
The owner of a home assessed at the township average of $449,600, will have a property tax increase of $409.10, a monthly increase of approximately $34.
During the April 3 Township Committee meeting, auditor Michael Cesaro gave a presentation on the 2014 budget, during which it was revealed the average homeowner will pay $930.67 in municipal taxes, up $44.96 from 2013. The municipal portion represents 8.9 percent of the entire property tax bill.
Mr. Cesaro estimated the county tax, which has not yet been set, would be $1,488.18, up $53.95 from last year, representing 14.3 percent of the tax bill.
The open space municipal tax remains flat at $269.76, making up 2.6 percent of the property tax bill.
The bulk of the tax bill, nearly 75 percent, comes from school taxes. The average homeowner will pay $7,827.54 in school taxes, up $310.22 from last year, according to officials.
Township administrator and CFO Dianne Kelly prepared information for the presentation on the costs of maintaining the township’s parks and recreation program. Since 2003, the township has spent over $10.7 million on bond ordinances for the acquisition of recreational properties and their maintenance.
Committeeman Steve Alexander noted that the bond ordinances for the properties are entirely the responsibility of Upper Freehold taxpayers, with no state money involved.
Last year’s parks and recreation budget totaled $294,448, with $6,040 coming from non-resident participation fees. This year’s parks and recreation budget totals $311,339.
Ms. Kelly also prepared information regarding the costs of fire-fighting, borne by both Upper Freehold and Allentown. From 2006-2014, Upper Freehold has paid $2.89 million in fire fighting related expenses, or 82.81 percent of the total $3.49 million spent during that period.
Allentown has paid $601,073, or 17.19 percent of the shared expenses. This year, Upper Freehold has budgeted $380,963 for fire fighting expenses, while Allentown is expected to pay $73,000.
Upper Freehold has a total authorized net debt of $16,541,915. According to the presentation, 50.2 percent of the debt is allocated toward open space, while 31 percent is allocated to township roads. The parks make up 10.2 percent of the debt, while buildings and equipment make up 8.7 percent.

