Shamong Township Committee adopts 2024 municipal budget with modest municipal tax increase

The Shamong Township Committee voted unanimously on July 9 to adopt its 2024 municipal budget (Resolution R‑64), which sets the municipal tax rate at 9.9 cents and remains under certain levy restrictions.

Finance staff explained that the proposed municipal rate rises from last year’s 9.5 cents to 9.9 cents. Using the example given at the meeting, a homeowner with a $310,000 assessed value would see the township portion of their property tax increase by roughly $12 annually under the adopted municipal levy; the committee emphasized that school and county levies are calculated and billed separately and would affect the total tax bill.

Staff and committee members described constraints and caps that shape future budgets: once the municipal rate exceeds 10 cents the township will face additional levy cap restrictions limiting annual increases (general cap provisions referenced). Committee members also discussed appropriation caps and the need to manage debt service and capital improvements when planning future budgets.

The committee opened the budget for public comment while finance staff answered questions about the levy cap mechanics. After discussion, a motion to adopt the budget carried by roll call vote (Mr. Zender, Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Woods, Ms. Midus, and Mr. Deochi voting yes). Officials said they will continue to monitor state funding changes and pressed residents to register and vote on local issues affecting tax policy.

The budget adoption will be followed by standard financial reporting and next month’s bill list, which staff warned will include the district school tax payment once the regional rate is certified.