No Tax Increase Included In Proposed Cherry Hill Budget

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill Council introduced a budget that holds taxes flat for the 10th straight year Monday night, while simultaneously announcing preliminary plans for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding the township received from the federal government.

Cherry Hill Council introduced an $80,601,021 budget with no tax rate increase Monday night. The average Cherry Hill taxpayer will pay $1,209.22 for the municipal portion of their property tax bill if the budget is approved following a public hearing Sept. 13.

A copy of the budget will be posted online and made available at the township clerk’s office on Sept. 6.

The budget was introduced in August this year so the township could incorporate ARPA funding. Cherry Hill will receive $11,361,785 in two increments from the federal government as it continues to navigate the coronavirus pandemic.

“As we continue the fight against this pandemic, I’m proud that this budget addresses the most pressing issues in our community, while both holding the line on taxes and investing in our future, so we can ensure both our Township services and financial outlook remain strong for years to come,” Mayor Susan Shin Angulo said.

In addition to the federal funding, officials said a growth of $58 million in the township’s tax ratable base helps the township hold taxes down while continuing to provide services and improve programs.

“Township Council and I are committed to preserving our town’s quality of life, making smart investments and ensuring Cherry Hill remains an affordable place to live,” Council President David Fleisher said. “The scope of the economic impact of Covid-19 is still unknown. This is a budget that enables Cherry Hill to face the challenges head on.”

The township put out a short list of items that will be covered by the budget:

• $15.4 million in capital improvements, including funding the annual road maintenance program, upgrading parks and recreation facilities, and sewer improvements. Among recreation upgrades will be $675,000 for an upgraded HVAC system at the Community Center.
• The capital budget also includes new traffic safety equipment for the Police Department, as well as funding for sports courts resurfacing and upgrades to the Township’s trail system.
• Outside of the capital budget, the Township is also dedicating funds to create a new program that will ensure roadways are fully repaved after underground utility work is performed.
• The budget also allocates $750,000 from the Township’s ARPA/CLFRF funding to replenish the township’s COVID-19 Rental and Mortgage Housing Assistance program, which ran out of its initial $610,000 in funding from Community Development Block Grants after seeing high demand.

While some ARPA money has been earmarked, officials said they weren’t sure where all the funding would go.

“We will evaluate how we spend it in the best possible way,” Councilwoman Michele Golkow said.

She said it could be used for mental health, helping seniors become sociable again after the pandemic, helping residents who lost friends and family members to the coronavirus, and helping residents struggling with job loss and food insecurity.

Councilwoman Carole Roskoph said some of the money should be used to help students improve their home Internet services, as some students who were learning remotely frequently lost their connections.

Officials also said they would take input from the public, including in special meetings and during public comment sections of regular meetings.