PLUMSTED		TOWNSHIP
Pride in Plumsted, the State's Center

2005 Budget

Following an advertised budget presentation and public hearing at which no one raised any objections or questions, the Township Committee adopted its' 2005 Budget with no tax rate increase for an unprecedented 15th consecutive year. The $3,437,619 budget, nearly $700,000 less than the 2003 budget, maintains a stable 12 cent tax rate, the lowest municipal tax rate of the 33 Municipalities in Ocean County. Not only is the municipal tax rate the lowest, but Plumsted residents pay the lowest amount in tax dollars for the operations and services of their local government in all of Ocean County, although that would not be possible without all the grant aid the Township Committee applies for and receives. The average home in Plumsted is assessed at $150,000 and the home owner will pay $180 for the entire year to support the Township Committee's budget.

Prior to the current administration's 12 cent tax rate, Plumsted's highest tax rate for municipal government purposes was in 1989, when there was a 27 cent tax rate. In 1989, the average home was assessed at $91,400 and the home owner paid $247, which is $67 more than the $180 in 2005. With no reduction in services, the 2005 Budget (with more grant aid) continues to provide funding for 24/7 local Police protection; farm and woodland preservation; recreation programs and facilities; economic development; and road improvements, to list just a few of the major appropriation funding line items.

The Township Committee is only responsible for, and controls only, the local government portion of the total property tax bill, which is the smallest portion. The County Freeholders, the School's Board of Education members and the Fire Districts' Commissioners are responsible for their own budgets. The School and Fire District must have the amount of taxes to support their budgets voted upon by the people. This year, a majority of voters in Plumsted approved increasing the taxes needed for both the School and Fire District budgets.

Plumsted continues to have Ocean County's lowest crime rate; the lowest tax rate; the lowest debt; and the highest number of acres preserved from future residential development. Additionally, our School system is recognized as one of the best in both the County and State. These factors have helped to make owning a home in Plumsted not only a great investment, but a great place to live and raise a family. The real estate market in Plumsted is proof positive.