By Amy Batista, Special Writer
HIGHTSTOWN — The Borough Council unanimously adopted a $6.8 million budget, which calls for an increase in the municipal tax rate.
Although the amount to be raised by taxation is the same as last year at $4.5 million, the tax rate will be $1.16 per $100 of assessed value. That means the average township home assessed at $212,600 would see a municipal tax bill of about $2,470, an increase of $17 from 2014.
Chief Financial Officer George Lang said the budget maintains all existing services and provides for a full-time code enforcement/zoning officer.
Although the municipal portion of the tax rate will increase slightly, Mr. Lang said estimates from the county show the overall tax rate decreasing this year.
The borough expects to receive an approximate $2.3 million in grants, according to Mr. Lang, which brings the budget total to $6.8 million.
“This year’s budget is overall $16,845 less than the prior year,” he said. “Overall, the amended budget (with the grants) is $1,055.58 more, but if grants are not included the operating budget is $7,010 less.”
That means the slight increase in the overall budget is due to receiving more grant funding, according to Mr. Lang.
Resident Eugene Sarafin said the chief financial officer and council have “really done a good job.”
“George, you’ve done a fantastic job,” he said. “The only thing missing is the (property tax) base increase.”
Resident Walter Sikorski asked about Peddie School’s donation to the borough, which never seems to increase.
“I just want to call attention to one item,” he said. “It’s too late probably with the adoption of this budget. It seems like Peddie School does donate $23,000 but it seems to me since I was on council it’s been the same $23,000.”
He said it might behoove the council to negotiate an increase in the near future.
“On the whole, I found that the budget was well thought out and well planned,” Mr. Sikorski said.
