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For further information, please contact Stephen Mountain or Heather Webster at 543-4555

The Mendham Township Committee introduced the Township’s year 2000 budget at its meeting on February 14. The 2000 budget proposes a one cent increase in the municipal tax rate. The cent increase will cover the cost impact of implementing the Emergency Services Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP) supported by Township voters in a referendum held last fall.

The 2000 budget maintains Mendham Township’s traditional high level of services while limiting the tax impact on residents. The proposed budget achieves this goal by holding the line on general operating expenses and carefully controlling capital and personnel expenditures.

Mayor Kathryn Porter stated, "The Township Committee is pleased to introduce a budget which responsibly addresses the needs of the community with minimal impact on municipal taxes. It has been a standing goal of the Township Committee to maintain services while holding the line on spending and we are happy to once again accomplish this objective."

In addition to the implementation of the LOSAP program, the 2000 budget contains funding for a number of other new and on-going initiatives aimed at enhancing services to residents. These initiatives include the purchase of a replacement ambulance for the First Aid Squad, three replacement police vehicles, the overlay of eight Township roads, and the completion of the Ralston ball-field complex scheduled to be open later this year. Mayor Porter stated, "The 2000 budget meets the needs of our growing community and more importantly, will place the Township’s strong financial position for years to come."

The 2000 budget totals $5,917,358. As a result of the efforts to control day to day operating expenses, the operating budget has increased by only $196,231 from 1999 and $86,000 of this increase is for the LOSAP program. The municipal tax rate will increase from the current rate of $0.42 per $100 assessed value to $0.43.

Under state law all municipal budgets must be approved by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Subject to this approval, the Committee has scheduled the date of March 13 for official public hearing on the 2000 budget.