Borough taxes are going up next year

Milford — The borough council Monday night voted to advertise a 2009 budget containing a 12 percent property tax increase. New costs, some reductions in outside revenues and less property to assess were the culprits. The tax rate, computed in mills, or tenths of a cent, will increase 4.5 mills to 40.5 mills. That translates to an increase from $100 to $150 on the average borough home, said Councilman James Price. Price said two-thirds of new costs, some $58,000, would be devoted to upgrading the borough police force. Price said the borough is also considering creation of a civil service commission, which would allow for the hiring of more full-time officers. “We may or may not create a commission, but we have budgeted for it,” he said. The borough police became a point of contention this summer, when the council considered, then dropped, a plan to merge with the Eastern Pike Regional Police. The current police operating budget is $280,845. Next year’s proposal would up that amount to $334, 958. Price said taxes would need to increase even without the new police costs since consolidation of lots and county purchase of property in the borough reduced the number of taxable lots from 554 to 543. Due to that process,Treasurer Gregory Myer said the borough was losing $264,000 in assessed value . Additionally, next year’s budget will lack $30,000 in grant income which was available this year. Looking for new revenue, the council discussed increasing zoning and other permit fees. Secretary Liz Samuelson said the zoning permit fee of $100 has not changed in the past 11 years. Solicitor John Klemeyer noted that Dingman Township found it wasn’t making expenses on permit review costs and is considering “rather substantial increases.” Klemeyer also noted that a new law now allows municipal recovery of all professional fees. “I’m not saying there’s money to be made, but we may collect on some losses,” he added. The budget will come up for final approval at a special meeting on Dec. 29.