Tax increase could be in your hands

Would you allow Medford Township to raise taxes higher than the 2 percent permitted by state law?

You might be facing such a question on the April 27 school board election ballot after Council has begun discussing whether or not to place a referendum question on the ballot asking residents if the 2011 budget can exceed the cap law.

An ordinance was on this week’s Council meeting agenda to allow the special question to appear on the ballot, but was tabled. Introduction of the 2011 budget was also on the agenda this week, but was also tabled. The public has not been given any budget figures, yet.

Council has announced a special meeting on Thursday to discuss budget issues. The meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the public safety building. Action may or may not be taken, according to township officials.

The cap law says that a municipality can be authorized by ordinance to increase the ta levy up to 3.5 percent over the previous year, but must put a special question out to voters in order to do so.

According to the ordinance that was not voted on this week, Council believes a 3.5 percent increase is necessary “in the interest of promoting the health, safety and welfare of the citizens.”

Stay tuned: find out what happens at Thursday’s special meeting.