Camden County voters approved a higher open-space levy Nov. 3, adding $22 a year for a home assessed at $220,000.

The county clerk’s Nov. 6 unofficial results show 94,955 yes votes and 25,324 no votes on the county question. All 343 precincts reported, but the totals remain subject to further counting and certification.

What Cherry Hill homeowners will pay

The county’s Clean Water Future plan puts the levy at 3 cents per $100 of assessed value, up from 2 cents. A property assessed at $100,000 would pay $30 annually instead of $20.

The $22 increase reflects the countywide average assessment of about $220,000. A Cherry Hill property’s bill will depend on its own assessment.

The county estimates the extra cent will produce $6 million annually, or about $60 million over ten years. Its broader water-quality initiative envisions roughly $400 million in spending, with additional funding sought through grants, low-interest loans and other sources.

Where the investment would go

The county’s proposed program allocates $200 million to reduce combined sewer overflows, $75 million for sediment removal and dredging, and $50 million each for sewer rehabilitation and recreational lake restoration. Green infrastructure accounts for another $25 million.

Trust fund revenue can directly support projects protecting publicly owned open space, including rain gardens, lake restoration and dredging. Pipe repairs would use matching funds.

County officials identify the Cooper River system, Atco Lake, Evans Pond, Wallworth Lake and Audubon Lake among the priorities. Flood reduction is a goal, but benefits will depend on each project and location.

Further planning remains

The county says the utilities authority’s July vision document sets priorities rather than a finished ten-year construction schedule. Projects still need study, design and funding decisions.

The Board of Commissioners administers the trust fund with advice from the Open Space Advisory Committee. The county says the committee meets monthly and accepts public input, and the fund will undergo annual public audits.