The February 17, 2009 Township special budget meeting...

[Jersey Dad]

I only had the opportunity to observe part of the budget process, so I may have missed some important parts of the discussion. However, from my observation there was a unilateral effort to keep a lid on expenses this year. Stout set the tone for these budget meetings last year and it seemed like all members of the TC were on the same page. Win certainly lived up to his pledge to review the budget line by line, and I appreciate his thoroughness. The fact that the latest budget review yielded less than $8k in additional expense savings should serve as a testament to the efforts on all sides to cut expenses.

I learned a lot by observing the process in action. The fact is, there are some serious challenges to cutting expenses. For example, the Police contract was decided by binding arbitration. I don't recall a lot of public concern about police overtime when we were experiencing a rash of break-ins last year, but we're paying for some of that in this year's budget at a rate determined by binding arbitration.

Unfunded state mandates severely limit flexiblity and there is a list of unfunded mandates a mile long. One major example is COAH compliance, which is very expensive. Furthermore, affordable housing surpluses cannot be returned to the Township. They must be used for other affordable housing purposes.

We also have a host of other expenses outside our control. For example, shared agreements for services like call-dispatch save us money, but if Hightstown demands an increase, there may not be many better alternatives than to pay them more. In addition to increased fees, service agreements may require other expenditures in order to achieve compliance. For example, I understand the Township has certain environmental planning obligations to comply with our sewer service agreement.

Overall, I was impressed by the dilligence I witnessed from our TC regarding the review of budget line items. However, I am concerned that we may miss the forest for the trees. I hope that the TC can set aside time to explore some of the big, creative ideas for improvement. Even if most of these ideas ultimately get rejected, it seems sensible to explore them. In addition to big creative ideas that have already been floated, such as leveraging students researchers and interns, examining Town Hall hours, etc., I'd suggest the exploring the following...

1. Find creative ways to increase the affordable housing revenue surplus to mitigate construction costs (when the time comes) and encourage commercial builders to donate land.
2. Negotiate reduced rates from contracted professionals for expenditures where the timing is optional. For example, the timing of the bulky house study is optional. Would Preiss & Associates be willing to accept $5,000 to secure the study this year vs. hoping to receive $10,000 for the study next year?

Creative ideas can help reduce expenses in future budgets. However, I recognize that the TC Members are essentially volunteers with many competing priorities. I hope creativity doesn't become the casualty of time. Perhaps this is an effort that can be spearheaded by the Township Administrator with citizen involvement?

JD

[Michael]

Was some of the 1.5 mil increase due to the energy savings projects? This does involve an initial investment, but it will save us operating costs in the future.

[Guest]

It's my understanding that the energy projects, i.e. the fire house doors, are coming from grant money. It was discussed that these items will not hit the bottom line. Also, some money from the fire official budget an unfunded mandate will now go to the fire department. There is no increase in funding, but we're now using funds that would not otherwise be available. So that is a good thing.

[Guest]

Anyone knows about the reason for the $1.5 million budget increase this year? This should not be too hard to figure out.

[Guest]

It's easier said than done. Even by attending you only hear line items, you don't get to see them. So it is nearly impossible to keep track. You have to wait until the budget is passed.

By the way, it is interesting to see the interactions on the TC. Pari it seems is letting David run the meetings and I think she could add value. When Win asked to do a review a final time David rebuked him for Win's attitude.

[Guest]

I am not impressed with the former Mayor's "contributions" to our town. That's why I voted for Win.

If he tries to run the township again in the background, please offer your views here.

[Guest]

[Jersey Dad]