Washington Township Council Introduces $12.3M Budget

The Washington Township Council voted to introduce a $12.3 million budget during their meeting Monday night.

The $12,393,000 budget would include a tax levy of $8,901,699, excluding the library's portion. Taxes would rise $31 for the owner of the average township home assessed at $534,000. The majority of the raise — $27 for the average homeowner — was caused by the high number of tax appeals, according to Mayor Janet Sobkowicz.

Councilman Joe D'Urso said that tax appeals have cost the town almost $1 million over the past three years. Township officials have planned to undergo a revaluation this year.

The average township homeowner will also see a rise of an additonal $20 for school taxes. The Westwood Regional Board of Education approved a $52 million budget last week.

Officials will hold a public hearing to present their budget May 6 and vote after they receive state approval.

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