Aberdeen budget calls for 10-cent increase
Public hearing on 2008 budget to be held May 6
BY ERIN O. STATTEL Staff Writer

ABERDEEN - The Township Committee introduced a $15.3 million budget last week that calls for a 10-cent increase in the tax rate.

The 2008 municipal budget of $15,307,556.72, introduced at the March 18 committee meeting, is up from last year's budget of $14,065,297.

Last year's municipal budget did not call for a tax increase and was approved by voters.

This year the municipality lost approximately $219,000 in state aid due to cuts from Trenton.

The proposed increase of 10 cents per $100 of assessed valuation means the owner of a home assessed at $150,000 would pay $149 more a month in taxes, or $12.41 yearly. The revaluation that just started will produce final numbers that will be applicable to the 2009 ratables.

According to township officials, this year's big-ticket items are pension costs and health care expenses. The police and firemen's retirement system accounts for $589,487, while the public employee retirement system accounts for $131,699 in the budget.

The police department's budget increased to $3,478,803 from last year's $3,337,090.Maintenance of the free public library went from $694,924 to $740,019.

There will be a public hearing on the budget May 6 at 7 p.m. at town hall.