What You Need to Know About The Budget Meeting

Hopatcong's mayor and council will vote on the proposed 2011-2012 budget at a meeting at at 7:30 p.m. It was . Read more in 5 Things You Need to Know Today.

1. You Need to Know About the Total: The proposed budget would be $15,152,351—or about $100,000 less than the 2010 adopted budget.
2. You Need to Know About Property Taxes: Municipal property taxes on an average Hopatcong home would rise $76 under the proposed budget.
3. You Need to Know About the Tax Rate: It would be 58 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, up from 55.6 cents in 2010. An average Hopatcong home is valued at $315,000.
4. You Need to Know About the Tax Levy Increase: It would jump less than the state-allowed 2 percent, not including several sorts of expenses allowed to be considered exceptions to the cap. With those included, the levy would rise 3.7 percent.
5. You Need to Know About Increased Costs: Several costs would go up under the proposed budget. Insurance would cost the borough nearly $100,000 more than last year, and police services would rise by about the same amount. Several other expenses would rise by smaller dollar amounts. The borough expects cost savings in public works ($13,216) and solid waste ($32,400).
6. Bonus: You Need to Know Where You Can See the Proposed Budget: It's been on Hopatcong's website. But, in case you missed it, we've got it to the right.