The tax rate is going up in Middle Township. Committee approved a 2.7-cent tax hike, despite the overall tax levy going down. Many members of the public shared comments, including asking the committee to look at layoffs. The town is remaining under the state mandated two-percent property tax cap; however, the exceptions will allow the increase to come in over seven percent. There was a $91 million loss in ratables, which has caused the increased tax rate, despite the tax levy going down about $1 million.
The public hearing yielded comments from a handful of residents, who were upset over increases to the budget, and sewer rates. Sewer rates will be going up just over 20 percent, which amounts to just under $1.40 per day. Deputy Mayor Nate Doughty noted during the meeting that the sewer rates in the township haven’t increased since 1992.