April 23, 2021

ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville Township Mayor Dave Fried presented the 2021 municipal budget of $25,920,553.33 to Township Council Thursday featuring a flat or reduced tax rate for the ninth consecutive year.

The 2021 rate would remain steady at 51.8 cents per $100 of assessed value (also 51.8 in 2019 and 2020), with the average assessed home in Robbinsville valued at $378,500. A penny in the Robbinsville tax rate is worth $264,254.59.

Among the key investments is $200,000 ($600,000 over three years) to join the Mercer County Police Radio System, which will expand coverage to ensure officer safety. The current system is at the end of its useful life and the new system will allow immediate communication ability with other municipal, county and state agencies. If the Mercer County Rapid Response partnership is activated, the RTPD’s new radios will provide interoperability with other responding agencies.

Other allocations include $1.67 million for water main improvements at Newtown Village, approximately $2 million to construct an all-purpose recreation facility near the old pool at Miry Run, $220,000 to expand the existing and very popular volleyball courts at the Municipal Complex behind the library and funding for a new all-abilities playground at Tantum Park. As part of a three-year project, $350,000 from the open space fund has been allocated for walking and biking paths, along with other elements at Miry Run. Funds also have been earmarked for additional affordable housing programs and road restoration projects, including the completion of Voelbel Road and the developments at Hillside and Windswept.

Now that Mayor Fried has presented the budget the governing body has time to review, ask questions and make changes (by motion at a meeting) if necessary. Council will then vote to introduce the budget, either at the same meeting or at a later date. A public hearing on the budget is required to be held not less than 28 days after the introduction of the budget at a Council meeting. During or after the public hearing, Council can vote on additional changes (via resolution). A second public hearing would only be required for significant changes, per State guidelines. Council can then vote to adopt the budget, with the approval from the NJ Division of Local Government Services.

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