LAKEHURST – Borough officials recently approved their proposed 2023 budget. The spending plan that was introduced in early April will see a tax increase of $82 for the average homeowner.
The Borough’s Chief Financial Officer Wayne Sibilia explained to The Manchester Times, “The 2023 municipal tax levy is increasing by 2.78% when compared to last year. Our 2023 municipal tax rate is 1.181. On an average residential assessment of $253,075 this amounts to $2,989 per year, an annual increase $82 per year.”
Sibilia added, “two single largest items affecting the 2023 budget: employer required contribution to pensions increased 34% and health benefits premiums increased 22%.”
Mayor Harry Robbins told The Manchester Times during the borough’s January 1 reorganization meeting that he anticipated a difficult and challenging budgetary year.
During a recent council meeting, officials also passed on second reading Ordinance #2023-09 that concerned mercantile licensing and landlord registration.
The mayor and council also moved to create a position of municipal housing liaison for the purpose of administering the borough’s affordable housing program pursuant to the Fair Housing Act.
Every town in New Jersey is required to provide housing for low- to moderate income residents due to a court decision from many years ago in the town of Mt. Laurel.
During that meeting the governing body noted National Library Week, with a proclamation. Rachel Cantor, the new branch manager of the Manchester branch of the Ocean County Library was presented the proclamation which recognized the work of librarians and the mission of libraries across the country.
