STONE HARBOR – Stone Harbor adopted a $21-million budget for 2019 April 2.
The budget allocates $16.8 million for general purpose use and an additional $4.4 million for the dedicated Water and Sewer Utility.
The budget calls for an increase of a half-cent in the local purpose tax levy, moving it from $0.246 per $100 of assessed value to $0.251, a 2 percent change. Borough Administrator Jill Gougher said the borough’s tax rate remains among the lowest in the county.
The current fund budget is a net $120,000 higher than in 2018. The borough maintained its commitment to an annual appropriation to the capital development fund, setting aside money for future dredging and beach replenishment projects.
The utility budget is $200,000 higher than in 2018. Salary and wages along with operating expenses account for less than 25 percent of the utility budget with the largest share going to debt service and county Municipal Utilities Authority fees.
Council also introduced two bond ordinances for 2019. If approved, the ordinances would provide $4.84 million in new borrowing for general borough capital projects, the largest share, $2.2 million, going to road improvements. They would also provide $4.75 million for various water and sewer utility infrastructure improvements.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
