Millstone Township adopts 2024 budget with one‑cent municipal tax increase, prioritizes fully funded capital plan

The Millstone Township Committee voted unanimously June 19 to adopt its 2024 municipal budget, approving a one‑cent increase in the municipal tax rate and a plan that officials said fully funds capital improvements without issuing new debt.

Deputy Chief Financial Officer Melissa Purbone presented the budget and told the committee the average homeowner’s municipal tax for 2024 will be $1,252.82, up $60.92 — a 5.1% change from last year’s $1,191.90. Purbone said the municipal tax rate rose one penny this year to 23.4, and that the township’s taxable valuation increased in part because of a newly assessed warehouse.

The committee said the budget aims to provide required services while limiting the financial impact on residents. “We have again fully funded capital improvements and we will not be issuing any debt this year,” Purbone said in the presentation. She detailed revenue sources (including $258,000 in grants), steady tax‑collection performance near 98.8%, and planned appropriation items such as road work, building and park improvements, and support for first‑aid services.

Mayor Al Farah, Deputy Mayor Chris Morris and Committee member Jeff Ziner praised the staff work. Deputy Mayor Morris thanked Purbone and staff for the transparency and line‑by‑line review used in budget workshops. “Thank you — you did a great job putting it all together,” a committee member remarked during the meeting.

The committee adopted Resolution 24‑151 to finalize the 2024 budget on a roll‑call vote: Ziner — yes; Morris — yes; Farah — yes. The committee also moved and approved a consent agenda that included a third amended shared‑service agreement with the Millstone Township Fire District, multiple alcohol‑beverage license renewals, DPW appointments, directive to refund listed real‑estate taxes and the appointment of a deputy chief financial officer (Resolutions 24‑152 through 24‑161 were listed on the consent agenda and adopted as a block).

Officials emphasized elements residents are likely to see in coming years: a six‑year capital plan that lists about $1.44 million for public‑works projects, roughly $1.4 million for township building and park improvements, and a $3.6 million road improvement program estimate for 2024–2029. Purbone told the committee the township’s net debt as a percentage of equalized valuation has declined and is projected to be historically low in 2024.

The township clerk opened a public portion for the budget at 8:22 p.m.; no one spoke on the budget and that public period was closed. The committee adjourned at approximately 8:50 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 24‑151 — Adopt 2024 municipal budget; Roll call: Ziner yes, Morris yes, Farah yes; outcome: approved.