Another Tax Cut Proposed in 2016 Budget

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: John Nalbone
Office of Communications & Public Information
Robbinsville Township
(609) 918-0002 ext. 129
jnalbone@robbinsville-twp.org

Another Tax Cut Proposed in 2016 Municipal Budget

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ – (UPDATED: April 14, 2016) - The 2016 municipal budget Robbinsville Township presented by Mayor Dave Fried and introduced to Township Council on April 14, 2016 includes the second proposed municipal tax cut in three years as part of a $22.3 million budget.

Adoption of the budget is pending public hearing and a vote.

“A tax cut in this type of environment is very difficult to do in any year. Being able to do it two of the last three years is exceptional,’’ Mayor Fried said. “We’re constructing a new municipal building (which should be completed by July) as we are reducing taxes. That is practically unheard of. Residents are always asking me ‘why don’t all the new ratables in town amount to a tax decrease?’ These recent cuts are proof those ratables do what they are intended to do. Also, our property values and the value of our town continue to increase. This is all very good news.”

The average assessed home value in Robbinsville is $368,000. The tax rate in 2016 is anticipated to be 52.6 cents per $100 of assessed value, which is 1.6 cents less than in 2012 (54.2 cents). The tax rate would mark the fourth flat or reduced tax rate over the past six years.

“The broader message is we continue to do more in a very challenging economy,’’ Business Administrator Joy Tozzi said. “Not only have we not cut services in the face of increased costs, but we’re providing more services. The reason we are successful in Robbinsville is we are constantly reevaluating our contracts, our initiatives and our expenses to see if they make sense. When they no longer make sense we reevaluate and make changes.”

Township Council president Ron Witt said he and the five-member governing body are looking forward to working with the mayor and administration.

“Council always appreciates how much time, effort and careful thought goes into this document each year,” Mr. Witt said. “We look forward to working closely with Mayor Fried, Ms. Tozzi and Chief Financial Officer Debbie Bauer throughout the budget process.”

-RT-