All Around Pennsauken

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Keeping in mind the recent property tax assessment mandated by the Camden County Board of Taxation, as well as the property tax levy cap law mandated by the State of New Jersey, Pennsauken Township’s administration and the Township Committee have worked diligently to keep 2015’s local property tax levy at the same level as last year.

Pennsauken’s 2015 budget, which was recently approved by the State of New Jersey, allows each taxpayer in Pennsauken to pay .17 cents per $100 of their property’s assessed value for the garbage district budget and .979 cents per $100 of their property’s assessed value for the municipal budget.

“With so many of our residents facing a change in the assessed value of their properties, the Township Committee and our administration really worked to help lessen the impact,” says Pennsauken Mayor Rick Taylor. “We feel that maintaining the local property tax levy at last year’s level is the best way to both be fair to our residents while also maintaining the level of services the Township provides our community.”

Mayor Taylor went on to explain that several factors helped the Township maintain the level of local taxes. “We had another great year regarding tax collection in 2014; it was 97.17, the second highest collection rate to date. We also had another very good year at the Pennsauken Country Club; it’s a facility that truly pays for itself. Last year, the Club generated $170,000 above the amount they needed to cover their operation costs and course maintenance. This entire amount goes directly towards property tax relief.”

The municipal property tax levy is a portion of the yearly tax bill, which also includes the school, garbage, county and library taxes. It is used to fund Pennsauken’s municipal budget, which consists of operational costs, capital spending, debt service payments, salaries, pensions, and insurance expenses. The garbage district budget pays for the disposal of trash and recyclables, as well as waste management for Pennsauken residences.

The services that Pennsauken Township provides its residents and businesses would not be possible without local property taxes. These taxes make up the largest revenue source in the municipal budget.

Pennsauken has tirelessly worked to keep costs down in order to better manage financial challenges that the Township faces each year. And by maintaining a conservative approach to Township operations, Pennsauken is also better prepared to handle capital improvements that need to be addressed on a yearly basis. For example, in 2015, the Township will be building a new and expanded salt storage facility to better handle harsh winters and icy conditions. In addition, Pennsauken is continuing to move forward on the construction of a “boundless,” all-access playground at Meadowbrook Park on Cooper Ave., which will allow both handicapped and able-bodied children and their parents to play together. Pennsauken will also address improvements and repairs to its infrastructure, as there are 102 miles of road that the Township is responsible for maintaining, while replacing damaged curbing and improving storm drainage. Pennsauken’s 30 parks and playgrounds are also upgraded on a continual basis. The Township has also purchased two new ambulances for Pennsauken’s EMS, five new squad cars for the Pennsauken Police Department, and a new seven-yard dump truck for Public Works.

“Creating a municipal budget that maintains all of the services that residents come to expect, while be fair to taxpayers can be quite the balancing act,” says Taylor. “But we have a lot of smart, dedicated people in our administration who can make it happen. That’s our goal each and every year and we’ve worked very hard to make it possible for 2015.”

Board Of Education Budget Pending

At the time of printing, the Pennsauken Board of Education anticipated a tax reduction for the 2015-2016 school year. The School Board’s budget is pending approval at the public hearing on May 5, held in Room 327 of Pennsauken High School, 800 Hylton Rd. at 7:00 p.m.

The complete budget will be available for examination by the public between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. through May 5 in the Pennsauken Board of Education Office, 1695 Hylton Rd.