Appeals, Increasing Costs Lead to Tax Hike

A combination of record tax appeals and steadily increasing expenses, among other factors, led to another tax increase for Cinnaminson property owners in the budget approved by township committee Monday.

Committee unanimously approved the $13.5 million budget, following a presentation from administrator Frank Locantore, in which he outlined the major factors contributing to the increase: a $20.1 million drop in the township’s ratable base; more than $600,000 in lost revenue from tax appeals in 2012 and 2013; and increases in various expenses, including fuel, insurance, and more.

The tax rate will increase by 3.1¢–from 42.9¢ to 46¢ per $100 of assessed value—meaning an $87.90 increase for a home assessed at the township average of $283,564, Locantore said.

The increase comes out to $1.69 per week, the administrator explained, or approximately the price of a medium cup of coffee at Dunkin Donuts.

“I’m not saying that to downplay the increase in taxes,” Locantore stressed. “I put that up there so we keep it in perspective.”

He broke down what the average 2013 tax bill ($1,304.39) gets taxpayers: $326.09 for police protection; $234.79 for public works; $39.13 for parks and recreation, etc.

According to Locantore, Cinnaminson’s per capita budget—what the township spends per resident—is the lowest in the area.

Taxes increased by $42 for the average homeowner last year.