County budget calls for $55 tax increase

NEWTON — The Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders unanimously introduced a $109,439,468 budget that carries a $55 tax increase for the average taxpayer on April 13.
The freeholders scheduled the public hearing for May 11.
The public hearing will be May 11.
Raymond G. Sarinelli of Nisivoccia said, in 2015, the average Sussex County taxpayer paid $1,306 annually on county taxes. This year, the average tax payer will pay $1,358, representing an annual increase of $52 over last year. The breakout between the solar project increase is: $31; and the operating increase is $21 annually. Also, the 2016 Library and Health fund budgets will increase, adding another $3 to the annual tax burden.
Sarinelli also said the total tax levy increase for 2016 is 4.01 percent. The budgeted amount for the solar project is $1.95 million, 2.39 percent, and a $1.3 million increase, or 1.62 percent for the operating part of the budget.
The debt service for the solar project increased from $900,000 in 2015 to $2.6 million in 2016, resulting in a $1.7 million increase in debt service obligation.
County Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer Robert J. Maikis said the sizable increase in the county debt service is directly related to the obligation for the guarantee on the solar project.
He also said the main drivers on the operating budget increase are the group health insurance and pension obligations.
Sarinelli said the group health insurance increase was $1.3 million dollars, with retiree health benefits increasing 33 percent; and the county pension obligations increased by nearly $300,000. He also added, everyone is operating on the same budget as last year.
In addition, Sarinelli said Sussex County is the seventh lowest average tax payer out of 21 counties in N.J.
Also, the 2016 capital budget includes $3.9 million for bridge and road improvements, and $3 million in facilities improvements.
Maikis also said salaries and wages have been reduced by $13,000, mainly due to employee turnover.
The budget includes funding for the state mandated bail reform and various capital improvements.