February 13, 2001

For release at your earliest convenience

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

The Mendham Township Committee introduced the 2001 municipal budget at its meeting on February 13. The proposed budget calls for no increase in the municipal tax rate

Mayor Brian Phelan introduced the budget, stating, "The Township Committee is pleased to put forth a budget that addresses the needs of the community without an increase in the municipal tax rate. It has been a standing goal of the Township Committee to maintain services while holding the line on taxes and we are happy to achieve this goal once again in the 2001 budget."

The 2001 budget contains funding for a number of new and on-going initiatives aimed at enhancing services to residents. These initiatives include the overlay of four Township roads and reconstruction of a fifth, a new tanker truck for the Ralston Fire Engine Company, continued funding of a Township digitized mapping system (GIS) and for the preparation of a revised Township Master Plan. The budget also provides on-going funding for the Emergency Services Length of Service Awards Program (LOSAP), approved by voters in a referendum in 1999.

"The Township is moving forward in 2001 on a number of important initiatives that we feel will improve our services to residents and protect quality of life in our community", said Mayor Phelan. "In addition to providing support for these activities, the 2001 budget also includes funding for the many other quality services that our residents have come to expect from their Township government in year’s past."

The 2001 budget totals $6,391,130. The municipal tax rate will continue at the current rate of $0.42 per $100 assessed value.

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 27 for official public hearing on the 2001 budget.

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