Mahwah Budget Calls for $70 Tax Increase

The Mahwah Township Council has introduced a $37 million budget for 2014 that, if passed, would raise taxes about $70 a year for the average resident, Council President John Roth announced in a release this week.

The budget calls for a 4.2% tax increase over last year, so for the average home assessed at $470,000, taxes would go up $70.50 this year.

According to the announcement, the budget includes the creation of one new police officer position, and the hiring of four police officers to replace retired ones. It also includes a part-time health department inspector, and funding to replace fire department breathing apparatus.

For the Department of Public Works, the budget would fund a new infrared pothole repair technology that officials say will allow for more efficient pothole repairs that last longer. 

It also includes $1.5 million for road repairs. 

The budget also includes money for new playground equipment at the Mahwah municipal pool, and for a consultant to assess what the future of the pool should be.

According to a NorthJersey.com report, two council members voted against the budget because of a council decision to cut $50,000 from the police overtime budget.

The entire introduced budget is posted on the township website. A public hearing on the budget will be held at 8 p.m. on April 24 at town hall, after which the council is expected to adopt it.