Mayor Albanese outlines budget, says municipal portion will rise $97.46 for average homeowner

Mayor Angel Albanese presented an overview of the Township of Clark—s recently approved operating budget at the council meeting on April 6, explaining the process, major cost drivers and what residents should expect on upcoming tax bills.

Albanese said the municipal portion of the average homeowner—s tax bill will increase $97.46 — roughly $8.12 per month — representing a municipal increase of under 3 percent for the average assessment. He said the presentation summarizes a budget process that begins each August and includes a six‑year capital plan posted online for public review.

The mayor pointed to employee benefits, especially health care costs, as the largest single driver of the increase: the township—s health care line rose from about $4,550,000 to $5,680,000, and health benefits account for a large proportion of the other expenditures discussed by the administration. Albanese said approximately one‑third of the budget relates to salaries and wages governed by collective bargaining agreements.

Albanese and Business Administrator Jim Ulrich described how revenues are constrained by state rules — for example, the township may not budget revenues above what can be supported by historical collections — and noted that roughly 30 percent of the town—s revenues come from non‑tax sources such as permit and license fees, investment interest and pilot fees from municipal properties.

The mayor highlighted the administration—s grant work and said the township received a number of grants last year. The council was told that appropriations must equal available revenue, that capital commitments require separate ordinances, and that the public will have a budget hearing on April 20 before final adoption.

Albanese closed by directing residents with questions to the finance office and said a user‑friendly version of the budget document will be made available online.