Taxes

Schools Superintendent John Ravally on June 18 was given a renegotiated 5-year contract worth $230,000 in its first year. (File photo). The Board of Education on June 18 approved a renegotiated contract with the schools Superintendent that gives him a hefty base salary increase while eliminating merit bonuses. Under the new five-year contract, Ravally’s salary will be $230,573 for the …

Franklin Township is not likely to join the “defund the police” campaign that is arising across the country, officials said on June 11. The reason, officials say, is that the township police department isn’t funded to the extent that would make that practical. The comments came from Mayor Phil Kramer, Township Manager Robert Vornlocker and Public Safety Director Quovella Spruill …

The township will distribute about $161,000 to support the Franklin Food Bank, COVID testing, and to help township businesses retain employees. The money comes from a special Coronavirus Aid Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act allocation made through the federal Community Development Block Grant program. Council members decided to allocate $85,933 to small township businesses, $50,000 for coronavirus testing and …

Nearly $14 million in goods and services purchases were approved May 26 by the Township Council. The largest expenditure – $10,200,000 – was awarded to 17 companies for engineering consulting services. Each of the contracts is worth $600,000. The firms receiving the contracts are: Prestige Environmental, Inc., SomersetCME Associates, ParlinVan Cleef Engineering Associates, HillsboroughMott MacDonald, IselinBoswell Engineering, South HackensackGannett Fleming, …

Mayor Phil Kramer said the pandemic has not yet affected the township’s finances. (File photo.) Unlike some other towns in New Jersey, Franklin’s financial picture has not been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, revenues are up when compared to the same period last year, Mayor Phil Kramer said. The only area showing a decrease is the water utility, …

A section of Route 27 will be closed for several months starting May 4 to allow for the next phase of work on the Ten Mile Run tributary culvert project, state transportation officials said. The shutdown will affect traffic on Route 27 north, from just south of County Road 518/Georgetown-Franklin Turnpike, according to a press release from the state Department …

The Township Council introduced a series of bonding ordinances at its April 28 virtual meeting. The Township Council on April 28 took several actions that will lead to spending nearly $17 million on equipment and capital improvement programs. The Council voted to amend the 2019 Community Block Grant Action Plan by transferring $170,793.95 in unused grant money for unfinished or …

Amwell Road reconstruction work is hoped to reduce traffic accidents along the thoroughfare. The reconstruction of a portion of Amwell Road is scheduled to resume on May 5, according to the Somerset County engineering department. The work will be performed on weekdays between Mettlers Lane and Elizabeth Avenue, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., according to a notice posted by …

A $168 million preliminary budget for the 2020-2021 school year was adopted March 23 by the Board of Education. The board met in a conference call due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic. The $167,943,278 estimated operating budget is up nearly $3 million, or 2 percent, from the 2019-20 figure of $165,027,353. The budget is powered by a total tax levy …

Township Manager Robert Vornlocker presented the Council with a $63 million proposed budget. A $63 million spending plan was introduced March 10 by the Township Council. The $62,827,195.19 2020 budget – up $895,857 over the 2019 budget of $61,931,338 – is powered by a tax levy of $25,751,390.71. That’s an increase of $614,888.79 over the 2019 levy. Although the budget …