Monday - Friday
8:00 - 4:30

908.369.4313

379 South Branch Road
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
908.369.4313

379 South Branch Road
Hillsborough, NJ 08844
Image

Taxes Reduced for the 3rd Consecutive Year in the Introduced Hillsborough Township 2020 Municipal Budget Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Hillsborough Township 379 South  Branch Road

Hillsborough, NJ 08844

Phone (908) 369-4313

Fax (908) 369-6034

News Release

Contact:  Mayor Doug Tomson FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone:    908-369-3535 June 9, 2020


Taxes Reduced for the 3rd Consecutive Year in the Introduced Hillsborough Township 2020 Municipal Budget Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic


Hillsborough Township introduced the 2020 municipal budget at Tuesday’s Township Committee meeting, with a tax reduction for the 3rd consecutive year.

“This budget is a result of our team’s continued fiscal responsibility regarding municipal operations, despite continued operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” commented Mayor Doug Tomson.  The Finance team is composed of the Mayor Doug Tomson, Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Administrator Anthony Ferrera and CFO Nancy Costa.

The Township’s Business Continuity of Operations Plan was integral in Township’s ability  to continue to operate and offer services despite being closed as a result of the COVID-19 Pandemic.   

The Township saw an increase in the total rateable value for 2020 of $188 million, a 3.06% rateable increase, which therefore increases the tax base over which the tax levy is distributed.  

The municipal tax rate is reduced for the third year in a row.  While the School Board and County portions of the tax rate have increased from 2015, the Township’s tax rate has decreased by 1.4 cents since 2015.

As has been the practice of the Township, allowable exceptions over the 2% levy cap which for the 2020 budget could have added $26,213 to the tax levy, were not utilized in order to reduce the tax impact on Township residents.  Available exceptions include pension obligation increases, deferred charges to future taxation and increase in debt service and capital improvement appropriations. Since the inception of the levy CAP in 2011, the Township had $2,147,361 in available  exceptions which could have been used to increase taxes above the 2% CAP.  

“It is important to note that this budget represents just over 13% of your total tax bill,” commented Mayor Doug Tomson upon CFO Nancy Costa’s presentation. 

“If the Township were to take advantage of the allowable exceptions and exceed the 2% levy cap, the taxpayers would have incurred an additional $26,213 in taxes. As Mayor Tomson previously stated for the 10th consecutive year, the municipal budget comes in below the 2% tax levy cap while receiving no additional State aid, “ added Committeewoman Gloria McCauley, Finance Liaison. 

“This budget is a direct result of the Township Committee’s commitment to continued fiscal responsibility; working efficiently while providing our taxpayers the same level of service excellence they expect and deserve,” stated Mayor Doug Tomson, Liaison to the Finance Committee.  

“It has been the position of this Township Committee to take a fiscally prudent stand when dealing with the Township’s finances.  In addition, cost savings have been a part of the Municipal employees’ annual goals and objectives.  Their efforts are additionally realized in the results of this budget,” concluded Mayor Tomson.

The Township continues the “Pay As You Go Program” for routine capital purchases and further makes payments on debt service greater than what is required, therefore further reducing the debt of the Township.  This practice affords the Township to maintain its AA+ bond rating. The budget includes monies allocated for the Capital Improvement Fund of $600,000 which will help to fund future Capital Ordinances. 

The public hearing and adoption of the 2020 Municipal Budget is scheduled for July 14, 2020.

  

View 2020 Budget Presentation and Budget Introduction

###

Search