County budget introduced with tax increase
County Executive Tom De DeGise introduced a $480 million 2011 fiscal year budget at Wednesday’s freeholder caucus meeting, saying that the tax levy will rise by 4.57 percent to $281.65 million. This is an increase of approximately $12.3 million over 2010.
“The tax rate will rise from $4.10 to $4.64 per $1000 of equalized value. But this is only our third tax rate increase in eight years,” DeGise noted.
Property owners in Hudson County pay an overall tax rate that comes from adding the county tax rate, municipal taxes, and school taxes. The school and city tax rates are approved by those entities.
“Hudson County continues to endure aftershocks from the financial earthquake of 2008-2009,” DeGise said. This has caused the equalized valuation of all properties within the county’s 12 municipalities to significantly decline again this year. The total amount of decline was $4.75 billion, a loss of more than 7 percent.
Revenues that were derived from a once-robust property market continue to fall. DeGise also said that fees from the Register’s Office continue to decline, as do returns from our interest on investments.
Communities divide up the increase based on assessed values in each community. It is uncertain yet which towns will feel the greatest impact. Last year, which saw a similar increase, impacted Jersey City and Hoboken the most.
A public hearing on the budget will be held on Friday, June 24, in the Hudson County Annex Building at 6 p.m.
Weehawken Weekenders check out Debbie Reynolds
On May 22 at 3 p.m., the Weehawken Weekenders will visit the New Jersey Performing Arts Center for “An Afternoon With Debbie Reynolds.” Tickets are still available for the matinee performance by the legendary actress. Ticket price is $70 per person, which includes a performance and transportation to and from Weehawken. For further information, call (201) 319-6060.
Elks to sponsor bus trip to Atlantic City
Weehawken Elks Lodge No. 1456 Special Children’s Committee will be sponsoring a bus trip to the Showboat Casino in Atlantic City on June 26. The bus will leave the Lodge promptly at 9:30 a.m. and will leave Atlantic City at 6 p.m. The donation is $40, with $30 cash back from the casino. Continental breakfast is included. A $20 deposit is required to hold a seat and the balance is due by June 1. For more information or reservations, call MaryAnn (201) 522-6427.