Find Out Exactly Where Your Tax Money Is Going

As the Montclair Township Council debates whether to pass the proposed 2010 budget — one that would spark a 5.7 percent tax hike — many residents are asking: just where does our tax money go?

Now you can find out.

Just log onto the Township's Web site, go to the "Government" menu on the left-hand side, and then click on "Council Meeting Agendas." Go to the agenda dated October 5, 2010 and, under resolutions, click on "8: Bill Resolution."

Up will pop a long list of bill payments that was approved by the Township Council on Tuesday night. Indeed, bill payments come up at every council meeting. A check cannot be sent out until the council passes a resolution approving payment.

As of this week, the Township plans to start publishing all lists of bill payments on the Web site so that taxpayers can see precisely how money is being spent.

The list will be posted on every new meeting agenda that includes a bill resolution. Bill resolutions are usually only voted on during regular council meetings (twice a month).

Also available on the Web site are all the particulars of the proposed 2010 budget due to be voted on Tuesday evening at 8 p.m.