MANTUA TWP. The township committee introduced a $12.6 million 2010 municipal budget Monday which will not increase the tax rate for residents.

"It's been a lengthy process with four layoffs and significant cutbacks," said Mayor Tim Chell. "But the township committee made the tough choices and cut the budget down for residents."

This year's budget is $945,000 less than last year's despite the township losing more than $312,000 in state aid. The reserve for uncollected taxes is also down more than $300,000. The average homeowner, with a residence assessed at $122,100, will continue to pay $1,104 in local taxes with no increase.

Chell said the highest cut $362,000 came out of salaries and wages. Two of the layoffs were in the clerical department and the other two were in public works.

"We also got some concessions from the PBA (police union) that helped a lot and saved us quite a bit," said Chell.

Further cuts were made line by line, including nearly $100,000 from the capital improvement fund leaving only about $50,000 for the township's road program. Trash tonnage was also down, saving costs thanks to the township's recycling program.

The public hearing on the budget will be held on July 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the municipal building.