Mahwah Proposes 5.8% Tax Increase

This year’s municipal tax increase in Mahwah could be as much as six percent, which would translate to a $99 bump in township taxes for the average homeowner, NorthJersey.com reported.

According to the report, the township’s administration proposed a $37,225,393 budget last week that called for a 5.8 percent increase in the municipal tax rate, from 0.359, to 0.380.

The increase, according to the report, is due mostly to an increase in medical plan expenses and tax appeals.

Medical benefit costs rose about 15 percent, and a string of residential and commercial tax appeals has decreased the township’s ratable base by $65 million, the report said.

The township council is now in the midst of conducting public budget hearings with township department heads. The final version of the 2014 budget will be introduced after the hearings have concluded. The budget introduction is currently scheduled for March 13.