The Cedar Grove Township Council began its annual budget hearing Monday night under the tutelage of Cedar Grove Township Manager Thomas Tucci, who guided the council through the first half of the budget items.

According to a recent Star-Ledger report, Cedar Grove had the lowest municipal taxes in Essex County in 2012, a fact not overlooked by Tucci and members of the township council.

“Cedar Grove has the lowest local tax rate in the county, but we cannot rest on last year's laurels, every year stands on its own” said Tucci. “This year we will try to achieve that goal again and do the best we can for our residents.”

According to the Star-Ledger report, the average municipal tax in Cedar Grove is $1,853, well below the $3,942 average Essex County municipal tax.

The first of the hearings on Monday night presented figures for various items in the budget, including recreation, finance, tax collector and assessor, council, manager, clerk, library, health department, public buildings and other areas.

Tucci said they are trying to save some money by trimming down a little bit in each category.

“It may not seem like a lot in each of these line items, but incrementally when it all adds up is as an effect,” said Tucci.

The most notable difference between the 2012 and 2013 thus far is the savings of $36,785 for the Cedar Grove Free Public Library.

The budget calls for cuts to internet services, heat, power and light based on the actual numbers from last year, said Tucci. The budget also saves in costs for maintenance, cleaning services and computer repairs.

"The library director looks at every line item fresh every year with the library board of trustees and they are cutting it where they could while maintaining the same level of service," said Tucci.

The council will continue its budget hearing at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at town hall with capital improvements, municipal court, police, fire, ambulance and rescue squad, engineering, streets and roads as well as several other categories.

The first half of the 2013 Municipal Budget Appropriations are as follows: