WOOLWICH TWP. — At their May 16 meeting, the Woolwich Township Committee approved their 2016 municipal budget that calls for a one cent tax increase for the average homeowner.
With the new tax increase, an average assessed township home of $288,000 will see an increase of $29 a year in their municipal tax.
According to Chief Financial Officer William Pine, the increase is due to increases in health insurance and pension plans. He also stated that the township has chosen to make larger debt payments in attempt to lower them in a timelier manner.
Also reported, Kingsway High School’s 2016-2017 budget was also approved. Committeeman John Carleton reported there has been a five percent increase in enrollment and a 10 percent tax increase.
Pine reported that the school’s tax increase also deals with more individuals opting for health insurance and pension plans. Carleton indicated that the school’s tax increase is about $70 to $80 a year more for an average Woolwich Township household.
Carleton also stated that the school is eligible for $11 million in state aid though they aren’t receiving it.
Mayor Alan Schwager asked if there are any plans to move forward with getting the aid from the state. Carleton responded that at this time there are no plans although it’s believed that sometime this year a committee will be formed to go to the state and address the issue in greater detail.
In new business, the Property Lien List was discussed by Schwager. He indicated a few properties were set to foreclose due to outstanding back taxes. However, one of the properties debt was paid in full just before the time of foreclosure.
Schwager raised the question that if the township acts more aggressively towards these foreclosures, it may push for the outstanding debts to be paid. He suggested bringing the list of properties to the committee’s attention to decide the properties with the largest debt.
Deputy Mayor Frank Rizzi agreed that the properties are worth keeping an eye on. The committee agreed to go over the list of properties before moving forward with the issue.
It was also reported that Committeewoman Jennifer Cavallaro has resigned from her position.
— By Alicia Rodriguez
