West Long Branch Budget Introduced, Tax Increase Expected

The West Long Branch Council introduced the 2013 budget on Wednesday night and a tax increase for residents is expected.

The 2013 budget totals $10,203,966, a $17,416 increase from last year.

The proposed municipal tax rate is 0.669, a 14 and a half cent increase over 2012.

For the average borough home valued at $383,000, the tax increase would be an additional $89 for the year or about $7 monthly.

Borough Chief Financial Officer Gail Watkins said the recently completed borough revaluation has skewed the tax rate numbers somewhat this year, and that the increase is actually smaller than it has been in past years.

Watkins said the borough was very close to state mandated 2 percent levy cap.

The budget will will be up for adoption at a future West Long Branch Council meeting, likely the second meeting on April.