With Amendments, N. Caldwell Adopts Budget

After two amendments, the Borough of North Caldwell's governing body adopted its 2010 municipal budget Tuesday night.

Introduced on May 25, the will pose a 1.11 percent tax increase.

According to Borough Administrator Joseph Kunz, the amendments to water utilities and for funds the municipality received for drunk driving enforcement did not have an impact on the water rate or tax levy.

Kunz said the borough received a grant for water utilities earlier this month and one in the amount of $1,611.67 for drunk driving enforcement.

The governing body also passed a resolution, supporting Gov. Chris Christie's toolkit.

"This is a resolution basically that the governor had put in, as everyone knows, for the 2 percent cap for next year, and the governor has asked and discussed the toolkit to meet today's fiscal challenges and, in particular, the new caps," Council President Joseph Alessi said.  

Like many other government officials, Mayor Mel Levine said what is included in Christie's final toolkit will determine property taxes.

"I had a conference with Gov. Christie three weeks ago and he said the 2 percent meant nothing unless we get the support from the toolkit," Levine said, "so it is very important."