Proposed Berkley Budget Keeps Stable Tax Rate

While the economy continues to struggle, residents in Berkley Township in Ocean County could have the security of a 2012 township budget with no increases to municipal taxes.

According to Municipal Administrator Fred Ebenau, if the $40,117,110 budget is approved it would mean the fourth year Berkley has had no tax increase for the Township.

He notes that spending remained stable in the plan, with the major costs coming from costs from snowstorms from the year prior, rising health insurance costs, payments for tax appeals, and a drop in ratables.

The municipal tax rate will be .50 per 100 dollar of assessed value. Ebenau says the average homeowner will see an annual 1,013.35 payment. An increase of thirty one cents from 2011.

No layoffs of furlough’s will be enacted in 2012, and all municipal services are expected to remain. Ebenau notes much of how they kept the budget in check was by controlling spending within municipal departments and practicing attrition to prevent additional costs.

In terms of long term debt, Ebenau says the Township has bonded out repairs to the roads, many of which are gravel or dirt and need to be paved.

The budget has been presented by the Council and is awaiting results from Energy Reciept Taxes for state aid which could affect the final amount.

Ebenau expects it to be adopted sometime in July or August.