Long Branch Budget Calls For Average $123 Tax Hike

Homeowners will face a tax increase to finance the 2011 municipal budget, which was introduced by the Long Branch Council Tuesday night.

Although the total budget has decreased from 2010, the tax rate used to calculate local bills has increased from last year. 

The 2011 budget totals $47,752,101, down $1,016,851 from 2010. However, the municipal tax rate has increased from 0.795 per $100 in assessed value in 2010 to 0.827 per $100 this year.

For the average Long Branch home valued at $387,500, the municipal property tax increase would be $123 for the year for a total bill of $3,207.

The 2011 budget is $395,000 below the state-mandated 2 percent levy cap, according to Long Branch Chief Financial Officer Ron Mehlhorn.

The introduction of the 2011 budget comes after a difficult financial year where the city had to make some tough decisions.

In February, the city cut 37 positions, including police and DPW positions, saving just over $2.6 million, according to Long Branch Business Administrator Howard Woolley. 

Of the 37 positions that were cut, 21 were current employees and the other positions are vacant jobs.

The council unanimously approved a resolution to introduce the budget, and there will now be a public hearing on it at the April 26 council meeting. The budget could be adopted at that meeting, as well.