Mayor Susan Shin Angulo introduced a FY 2022 budget to Township Council on Monday night that keeps municipal taxes flat for the 10th year in a row.
The $80,601,021 budget reflects Mayor and Council’s dedication to fiscal responsibility while investing in neighborhoods, roads, public safety, public works, recreation, open space and other vital Township services. Using a portion of the initial funding the Township received through the American Rescue Plan Act, the budget will also support programs to help the Cherry Hill community recover from the worst impacts of Covid-19.
“As we continue the fight against this pandemic, I’m proud that this budget addresses the most pressing issues in our community, while both holding the line on taxes and investing in our future so we can ensure both our Township services and financial outlook remain strong for years to come,” Mayor Susan Shin Angulo said.
The Township has been able to strike the balance between keeping taxes in check while improving Township roads, facilities and services thanks to its robust commercial sector, which has continued to grow and thrive despite the economic challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In the past year, the Township’s tax ratable base has grown by $58 million, and has now hit nearly $8 billion, its highest level in history. That increase, driven by commercial properties, has helped allow the Township to improve programs and services while not raising the tax rate.
“Township Council and I are committed to preserving our town’s quality of life, making smart investments and ensuring Cherry Hill remains an affordable place to live,” said Council President David Fleisher. “The scope of the economic impact of Covid-19 is still unknown. This is a budget that enables Cherry Hill to face the challenges head on.”
Included in the FY 2022 budget is:
• $15.4 million in capital improvements, including funding the annual road maintenance program, upgrading parks and recreation facilities, and sewer improvements.
• The capital budget also includes new traffic safety equipment for the Police Department, as well as funding for sports courts resurfacing and upgrades to the Township’s trail system.
• Outside of the capital budget, the Township is also dedicating funds to create a new program that will ensure roadways are fully repaved after underground utility work is performed.
• The FY 2022 budget also allocates $750,000 from the Township’s ARPA/CLFRF funding to replenish the Township’s Covid-19 Rental and Mortgage Housing Assistance program, which ran out of its initial $610,000 in funding from Community Development Block Grants after seeing high demand.
A public hearing and final adoption for the budget is scheduled for Monday Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the N. John Amato Council Chambers, Room 208 of the Cherry Hill Municipal Building at 820 Mercer St.
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