Vernon Township board approves 2020-21 budget

The Vernon Township board on Tuesday announced the approval of its 2020-2021 budget that officials said reduces the property tax burden on residents while continuing all essential services.

The township is one of the few governmental bodies in the country that has given continued tax relief to "Especially in light of the coronavirus, regional bodies should be concerned with the financial condition of residents and should tighten their belts without impacting the quality of essential services," Supervisor Jonathan Altenberg said in the announcement.

Officials said they were able to ease the tax burden through cost-cutting measures, including the consolidation of the highway department with the rest of the township. Eliminating the highway commissioner position will save about $100,000 beginning in 2021, according to the township.