It seems as if each year has become more challenging to make ends meet in the municipal budget process. Governor Christie’s unprecedented municipal and school aid cuts have punished even the most prudent and responsible municipalities and boards of education. Our 100% municipal aid cut accounts for a $140,000 shortfall before the year even began. Regardless of these revenue cuts, costs have increased, with employee health care and electric, sewer and water utility costs far outpacing the state mandated 4% tax levy cap. I would like to thank the members of the council and particularly Finance Chairwoman Melinda Iannuzzi for their hard work and cooperation in meeting the budget challenge. Our department heads have presented solid, fat-free operating budgets that allow services to be delivered uninterrupted while addressing the revenue shortfall. All borough employees have stepped up to the plate and cooperated to assist the Governing Body in meeting the budget challenge without the need for layoffs we are seeing in other towns.
I am personally exploring all options to share services with neighboring communities and streamline the procurement process to take advantage of bulk purchasing power. Nothing is off the table, and I am confident we can deliver more value for your tax dollar than ever before. Special thanks go to Chief Financial Officer Maureen Neville, Acting Borough Clerk Susan Crosman, Police Chief Jim Powderley and Public Works Superintendent John Crosman for their invaluable advice and assistance.
In spite of everything, long anticipated capital improvements are ongoing, including construction of a new public works facility, final planning for a downtown streetscape facelift and drainage improvements in the Orchard and Hardenburgh Avenue area. Bids were recently received for improved bike paths and the third phase of the Railroad Depot renovations. All of these are being accomplished with outside grant funding in excess of $1,000,000. Wishing everyone a safe and healthy summer season, I am,
MAYOR JIM CARROLL