March 11, 2002

NEWSRELEASE

For release at your earliest convenience

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

Mendham Township Introduces 2002 Budget; No Increase in Municipal Tax Rate  

The Mendham Township Committee introduced the 2002 municipal budget at its meeting on March 11. The proposed budget calls for no increase in the municipal tax rate.

Mayor Kathryn A. Porter 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.  The 2002 budget will be the fifth consecutive municipal budget to be adopted by the Township Committee with a level tax rate.”

The 2002 budget contains funding for a number of new and on-going initiatives aimed at enhancing services to residents.  These initiatives include the overlay of eleven Township roads, a new support truck for the Brookside Fire Engine Company, continued funding of the Township Fire Cistern program, a new loader for the Public Works Department, and the preparation of a master plan for Meadowood Park and the recently acquired Seeing Eye property. The budget also provides  funding for a drainage project on East Main Street to alleviate a flooding problem in that section of the Township.

“The Township has a number of important infrastructure needs and service commitments that need to be met in the coming year”, said Mayor Porter.  “The 2002 budget addresses these competing priorities in a fiscally conservative manner that limits the tax burden on residents and ensures the long range financial stability of the community.”

The 2002 budget totals $6,713,748. 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 April 8th for official public hearing on the 2002 budget.