Howell council members adopt $54.84 million budget for 2021
HOWELL – It took two tries, but the members of the Howell Township Council, by a one-vote margin, have adopted a $54.84 million budget to fund municipal operations for 2021.
A public hearing on the budget was held during the council’s May 11 meeting. Several residents voiced concern about an increase in the line item for the five council members’ salaries from $37,500 to $60,000 (i.e., a possible raise in a council member’s salary from $7,500 to $12,000).
When the public hearing was closed, a motion was made to adopt the budget. Mayor Theresa Berger, Councilwoman Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell voted “no.” Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo and Councilman John Bonevich voted “yes.” The motion failed 3-2 and the budget was not adopted.
Howell council members introduce $54.8 million budget for 2021
HOWELL – The Howell Township Council has unanimously introduced a 2021 municipal budget that totals $54.84 million. Officials set May 11 as the date for a public hearing on the spending plan.
Mayor Theresa Berger, Deputy Mayor Thomas Russo, Councilman John Bonevich, Councilwoman Pamela Richmond and Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell voted “yes” on a motion to introduce the budget during the April 13 council meeting.
The 2021 budget will be supported by the collection of $29.2 million in a local tax levy to be paid by Howell’s residential and commercial property owners.
Municipal officials said that in the $54.84 million budget, $24.6 million will be appropriated to salaries; $25.4 million will be appropriated to non-discretionary other expenses; and $4.59 million will be appropriated to discretionary other expenses.