Nutley Board Allowed to Self-Audit the Town Budget

The Nutley Board of Commissioners approved a 2013 municipal budget self-audit, going to bids for road repairs and supported opposing drainage of three reservoirs, at the Tuesday night meeting.

First, Commissioner Thomas Evans told the other board members that the township's financial record-keeping history allows the board to conduct its own annual budget examination.

"We are approved to self-audit because of the quality of our financial situation," Evans said. “Normally, the DCA (state Division of Community Affairs) would insist on doing this itself, but it allows a municipality to do its own if we're in good financial standing."

The resolution from Evans states that, "the state Division of Local Government Services has determined that the local government meets the necessary conditions...to assume the responsibility, normally granted to the Director of the (state) Division."

The budget met six requirements, the resolution states:

• Payment of interest and debt redemption charges have been paid.
• Deferred charges and statutory expenditures are paid.
• Cash deficit of the preceding year is caught up on payment.
• The reserve for uncollected taxes is satisfactory.
• Other reserves and non-disbursement items, and any inclusions of amounts required for school purposes are all up to date.

Evans said that the approval rewards the fiscally-responsible work of the board and everyone working in the township.

Also, Commissioner Joseph Scarpelli urged the board to join the Passaic Valley Water Commission in opposing a $100 million-plus project to build new drinking water tanks on Garret Mountain around the city of Paterson.

Scarpelli said the state is re-examining the project and further reviewing the plan through the state Environmental Protection Agency.

He said he has had people in his Department of Public Works look at supporting the resolution, and "this could potentially save us money."

The resolution states that the water commission is planning on draining the three reservoirs on Garret Mountain and replacing them with large concrete tanks, but the tanks might make residential neighborhoods "industrial in look while raising the residents' water rates."

Scarpelli also moved a resolution to advertise for sealed bids for the 2012 Roadway Improvements on Thursday, April 25 at 3 p.m. at Town Hall on Kennedy Drive.

State law requires that the lowest responsible bidder who meets all of the specifications is awarded the bid.

Scarpelli said the exact amount and the specific streets will be announced soon.