The Upper Township Committee has approved a $17.6 million budget , which increases the local purpose tax rate by 1.4 cents to 29.43 cents for every $100 of assessed property value. For the average property owner, the increase will mean spending about $42 more a year on township taxes. The press of Atlantic City reports for the owner of a house assessed at $300,000, the proposed budget would mean $882.90 in local taxes for 2024, in addition to school and county taxes. Lawmakers say state aid cuts have squeezed the local school district budget, and asked residents to call on officials to renew state funding.