It’s up to you, Medford

Medford Township Council wants to raise your taxes 25 percent to support the 2011 municipal budget and you should know why.

Of course, they can’t do it without your approval, so before you vote, get informed. Here’s you chance.

The township has announced three, upcoming community budget meetings intended to discuss a special referendum question that will appear on the April 27 school board election ballot.

Meetings have been scheduled for:

• Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 p.m., Fire Station 252 (Taunton), located at 632B Gravelly Hollow Road,
• Wednesday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m., Medford Leas Community Room, located off of Route 70 West.
• Thursday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Public Safety Building Courtroom, located at 91 Union St.

If the referendum question is approved by voters, taxes will jump up an extra $325 per year for the average assessed homeowner. If not, the township will have to find somewhere else to get the money — meaning there will likely be massive layoffs and service cuts to get a budget that falls under the 2 percent cap law.

So, it’s up to you Medford. Higher taxes or cuts to services? It’s your vote.