In Upper Township the Township Committee on Monday introduced a $17.6 million budget that includes an increase in the local tax rate amounting to about 42 dollars more per homeowner’s household tax.Township Administrator Gary DeMarzo described the budget as an exercise in stability, while auditor Leon Costello said it was a return to normal after a difficult budget process last year. He compared last year’s budget to a hand grenade, with costs rising across the board, driven by steep inflation, insurance and other expenses.