UPPER FREEHOLD – The Township Committee has adopted a $6 million budget to fund the operation of Upper Freehold Township this year.
The budget, which was adopted May 20, will be supported by the collection of $3.29 million in taxes from Upper Freehold’s residential and commercial property owners. Other revenue includes the appropriation of $3.53 million from the township’s surplus fund (savings) and the receipt of $518,481 in state aid.
Upper Freehold’s 2020 budget totaled $5.97 million and was supported by the collection of $3.11 million in taxes from property owners. Other revenue included the appropriation of $1.49 million from the township’s surplus fund and the receipt of $518,481 in state aid.
From 2020 to 2021, appropriations have increased by $40,559 and the tax levy has increased by $188,211.
In 2020, the municipal tax rate was 23.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The average home in Upper Freehold was assessed at $492,900 and the owner of that home paid about $1,158 in municipal taxes.
In 2021, the municipal tax rate is projected to be 24.5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. For a home that is still assessed at $492,900, the owner will pay $1,207 in municipal taxes.
Individuals pay more or less in taxes depending on the assessed value of their home and/or property and the annual tax rate that is set by each taxing entity.
Municipal taxes are one item on a property owner’s tax bill, which also includes Monmouth County taxes and Upper Freehold Regional School District taxes.
Selected appropriations in the 2021 municipal budget include the following line items: debt service (municipal), $1.9 million; reserve for uncollected taxes, $1 million; public safety $809,464; general government, $633,450; insurance, $375,736; deferred charges/statutory expenses, $275,628; capital improvements, $235,000; public works, $228,725; code enforcement and administration, $199,416; utilities, $121,500; and municipal court, $100,220.
A U.S. Census population estimate for 2019 showed Upper Freehold having 7,077 residents. The township does not have a police department. Police services are provided by the New Jersey State Police.
