West Windsor’s residents have been hit hard with taxes of late. While Plainsboro’s apportionment of the WW-P school tax decreased, West Windsor’s rose by six percent. ##M:[more]##Minimal relief appeared to be coming in the form of a decrease in county taxes, but contrary to initial reports, that tax rate will rise by 2 cents.
According to Marty Guhl, tax administrator for Mercer County, the initial estimates were off due to unanticipated changes caused by West Windsor’s 2006 revaluation.
Council and Mayor Hsueh made the decision to use surplus to lessen the sting of municipal spending increases. They voted on Monday, March 12, to use $4.25 million of the township’s $6 million surplus to knock one penny off the tax rate increase.
“If the Township uses $2.25 million to support the 2007 budget, $1.8 million will remain in reserve surplus. This still represents 5.6 percent of the total municipal budget and will not adversely impact the level of services provided to our residents,” said Hsueh. The township must have over 5 percent of its total budget in reserves to maintain its bond rating.
The total budget of $32.9 million was shaved by $55,”000 at the final budget meeting due to cuts recommended by council. Hsueh said using the surplus was the only way to reduce the increase.
Some capital improvements that remain in the budget include $100,”000 for bike lanes, and $80,”000 to replace cracked sidewalks. Over the next six years, $200,”000 per year is budgeted for installing sidewalks to connect the town’s neighborhoods.
The budget also includes $350,”000 to help restore the former Princeton Junction Firehouse to be used by the WW Arts Council.
