Budget Introduced

The Mansfield Township Committee introduced its 2008 budget on Wednesday, February 27. The budget calls for a 3 cent tax increase which equals an extra $71 for the average homeowner. Contractual salaries for Police and Roads, along with mandated pension increases alone resulted in $255,000 in new costs. Cuts in other areas and a slight increase in revenue partially offset what would have been a 3.8 cent increase ($90 for the average homeowner) due to these obligated cost increases.

While the percentage of tax collections, as well as delinquent collections increased, most other revenue decreased. Interest on investments and deposits decreased due to reductions in interest rates and construction revenue dropped after passage of the Highlands Act.

The budget will be amended before adoption if the governor’s proposed cuts in municipal aid go through. The public hearing on the adoption is currently set for March 26. However, the budget cannot be adopted until state aid is determined