No tax hike for Evesham

By AUBRIE GEORGE | The Marlton Telegram

Months after the township announced it was facing a $3.1 million budget shortfall, officials announced last week that the 2010 municipal budget would bear a zero tax increase for residents and would include no layoffs or furloughs for township employees.

During last week’s council meeting, Township Manager Tom Czerniecki told council that the “heroes” of this budget are township employees who agreed to take concessions that will result in savings for the township.

Czerniecki said the township’s clerical and public works unionized workers, agreed to open their contracts early and accept a 1.5 percent contribution to their healthcare benefits.

A law signed by Gov. Christie this March makes it mandatory that new contracts for government employees include a clause that says employees must contribute 1.5 percent to pay for their healthcare.

Evesham employees’ contracts are not scheduled to expire until the end of this year, but they agreed to open their contracts and take the concession early. Employees will begin their healthcare contribution effective July 1.

In addition, Czerniecki said, all township department heads have all agreed to not take a pay increase this year and will also contribute 1.5 percent to their health benefits.

See this week’s print edition of The Telegram for the full story.