Not much progress is being made in our conference meetings regarding the budget. Mike Rieber and I can't seem to get agreement that a 0% increase is the proper goal to have. I strongly disagree that people won't even notice it or that the $45 (which is what the municipal portion of the tax increase would be for an average home of $605,000) is what people spend without thinking. What I think is that people are tired of property tax increases, that we need a break, and if someone wants to tear up $45, then it is his or her money to do so with - not the Town Council's to continue to spend for them.
The budget increase is mainly going to fund the increase in debt service due to the new Town Hall. Along with the huge building and the huge library, come huge increases in the costs to light and heat. But, of course, the biggest increases are really in contributions to pensions and healthcare - two items that we can't touch. At this time, I have requested, as has Mike, to ask the township employees to increase their contribution (from 1.5%) toward the cost of healthcare. The State healthcare plans are so robust that I can't afford them for my own employees or myself. Yet, the cost increase from last year - I believe somewhere about 20% for the State as a whole - is not being passed along to the people who benefit from it. It is now being borne by the taxpayers. Lucky us!
Other than trying to wrestle with the budget (which must be finalized now as Ms. Meade plans on introducing it on March 28th), the rest of the conference and regular meetings were business as usual. We did have to pass two zoning ordinances - which were done under protest - to comply with the rulings regarding the COAH litigation the township is involved with. This was passed along with the Riparian zone ordinance - which also had to be done to comply with State regulations. It amazes me how little control a town has over its own destiny and how regulated it all is. Only one interesting note in the evening that I recall - we spoke about brokering electrical power to the Township (as we do with water) and are looking to see if it is feasible and cost effective.
More budget suggestions anyone??
Way to go Deborah. Keep up the good work. Of course, the biggest increases are really in contributions to pensions and healthcare - two items that we can't touch? 20% as a minimum should be expected from township employees to increase their contribution toward the cost of healthcare. Signed: local taxpayer tired of being milked as a cow.
ReplyDeleteI think a zero percent increase is a good goal. Also agree to have town employees share more of the healthcare cost.
ReplyDeleteDeborah: I can tell you very clearly that I notice each $45.... Livingston appears to be the only town that clandenstinely announces tax increases. By separating the school budget from the municipal budget, they deceive taxpayers into thinking their taxes will go up by less than they do each year. Last year, for instance, my taxes were raised $700!! Believe me I noticed. This year, as currently proposed, the school budget will increase our real estate taxes by 1-2% . . . and that's after our public schools have dropped below Top 20 in the State and after charging parents for busing and cutting after school activities. Now the municipal budget promises to increase my taxes even more!! When does it end. I have not received a bonus or salary increase in several years as a result of the slow market, and I consider myself lucky to even be employed (I know others who aren't). I notice every $45 and hope that the members of the municipal council appreciate that. As an aside, I have been in the one long narrow hallway where residents are permitted in the new Town Hall and I can't say I appreciate where all my hard earned funds have gone.
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