Kinnelon Budget Includes $77 Tax Increase

The average Kinnelon Borough home assessed at $439,000 could see a tax increase of $77 this year under the proposed 2013 municipal budget.

Kinnelon Borough Councilman Stephen Cobell introduced the budget at the council meeting Thursday night.

"It's a pretty tight budget," Cobell said, "despite significant increases in union contracts and health insurance costs."

The increase is at about 3 percent, which is within allowable exemptions of Gov. Chris Christie's mandated 2 percent increase cap.

The budget includes funds for large projects, including field repairs and pay outs for accumulated sick pay for police officers who are expected to retire in coming months, Cobell said.

Total appropriations subject to the cap came in at $7,959,359. This amount is about $1,570 less than the maximum allowable amount under the cap.

Cobell said a complete budget presentation would be put onto the borough website Friday.

A public hearing will be held at the next council meeting at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 16.