GEHR Budget Decreases, Taxes Increase For Hamilton & Galloway

By DIANE D’AMICO Education Writer

The proposed 2015-16 Greater Egg Harbor School District budget will decrease slightly from this year, but the property-tax levy will go up by less than one percent.

The proposed general operating budget will drop about $50,000, to $66,356,177. The total budget, including debt service, is $71,868,936, about $170,000 less than this year.

The total property-tax levy will increase just under one percent, to $33,446,656, or about $285,000 more than this year.

School Business Administrator Thomas Grossi said the district is trying to keep the budget as tight as possible while still maintaining programs. He said engineering and computer-aided drafting and design will be added at Oakcrest and Absegami high schools next year.

He said staff contracts expire in June, so the district must allow some funds for the settlement.

“We know it’s a tough time and we are in the middle of negotiations now,” he said, adding there were a few retirements, which will save money on salaries.

Under the proposal, property taxes will decrease slightly in Egg Harbor City and Mullica Township, but will increase slightly in Galloway and Hamilton townships. Grossi said Hamilton will have the biggest increase because of a loss of ratables in a reassessment.

In Egg Harbor City, residents will see a decrease of almost 2 cents on the tax rate, saving about $17.80 per year per $100,000 of assessed property value.

In Galloway, residents will see an increase of almost 2 cents on the tax rate, or about $17.10 per year per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Hamilton residents will see an increase of 4 cents on the tax rate, or $41.10 per year per $100,000 of assessed value.

Mullica residents will see a 1 cent decrease on the tax rate, saving about $11.30 per year per $100,000 of assessed value.

A public hearing on the budget will be held at 7 p.m. May 4 at Oakcrest High School in Mays Landing.
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/absecon_galloway_port-republic/tax-levy-up-slightly-in-greater-egg-school-budget/article_a4887438-d4bb-11e4-acf6-37252f2451eb.html