Mayor Yaede Calls On Council to Approve Tax Cut
Following State Approval of Budget

Following the State of New Jersey’s approval of her proposed 2019 Municipal Budget, Hamilton Township Mayor Kelly Yaede is once again calling upon the Township Council to approve her proposal that would provide Hamilton taxpayers with a municipal tax cut and keep sewer rates flat.

In early April, Mayor Yaede proposed a budget that would reduce the municipal tax rate by over 1 ¼ (1.25) percent.

But since that time, the Township Council had stalled final approval by informing Governor Murphy’s Administration at the Department of Community Affairs that it would not approve the budget due to concerns about Hamilton’s sewer utility – which has not raised rates in over a decade.

In an email, Council President Martin stated that “Council will not be passing a budget until such time as we are comfortable that these [referring to the sewer] budget anomalies are adequately addressed.”

Council President Martin also curiously stated during budget hearings his concern for “Robbinsville” taxpayers.

“We have proposed a tax cut that State officials have confirmed their approval of, so now there are no excuses for further inaction by the Township Council.  It’s time for Council President Martin and his colleagues to stop auditioning for who will be Robbinsville’s ‘6^th Council Member’ and put Hamilton taxpayers first.  Approve our budget that will reduce municipal taxes and keep sewer rates flat,” says Mayor Kelly Yaede.

In addition to reducing municipal taxes, Mayor Yaede’s proposed 2019 budget would also make needed long-term community investments by funding capital budget projects that include:

• 20 additional road repair projects
• needed sewer treatment plant projects
• police-related security needs
• senior center and township parks projects
• as well as equipment and vehicles that must be replaced

Hamilton also recently maintained its ‘AA’ credit rating status from Standard & Poor’s Rating Service (which Hamilton has maintained since May of 2014) and earned very low interest rates for these types of long-term capital projects.

“While we are fighting to lower municipal taxes and keep sewer rates flat, Standard & Poor’s decision to maintain our credit rating illustrates that we are continuing to do the right thing for Hamilton taxpayers,” says Mayor Yaede.

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