At the final Cherry Hill Township Council meeting on Dec. 22, the council adopted its fiscal year 2026 budget, reflecting a five cent increase in the municipal tax rate.
For the average Cherry Hill home with an approximate value of $400,000 and assessed for tax purposes at $227,000, the impact is approximately $31.50 per quarter or $126 per year in taxes.
Mayor Dave Fleisher addressed residents and the audience. He said the budget presented invests in the priorities of the community, like public safety, open spaces and parks and road improvements.
The budget also reflects rising healthcare costs, inflation, tariffs, and other price increases that the township does not have control over, he said.
One item that particularly impacts the budget is trash and recycling collection, with the council awarding a contract for collection and disposal worth $47.8 million over the next five years, a $12.4 million or 34.9% increase over the previous five year period.
“As you see, trash collection, a critical service for our community, has a serious negative impact on the township’s budget,” Fleisher said.
Despite these impacts, Fleisher expressed an optimistic view around the township’s recent economic development.
“We’re committed to protecting the quality of life that makes Cherry Hill so special,” he said. “This budget puts public safety first, makes critical investments in neighborhoods, is fiscally responsible, plans for the future and is focused on what our residents have told us is most important.”
In addition to the adoption of the budget, the council also passed an ordinance to exceed the municipal budget appropriation limit and establish a cap bank, allowing for the township to save unused budget increase allowances from one year to use in the future.
Another ordinance moved on second reading would fix the compensation of officers and township employees.
During the public comments period of the meeting, issues surrounding concerns of how licensed massage therapists are allowed to operate within the township.
The next meeting will be the township’s reorganization meeting held on Jan. 5 in the N. John Amato Council Chambers and via Zoom.
