What Would You Do With A Million Dollars?

This past week residents received their updated tax bill. What you do not see in that tax bill is relief from Garwood receiving an additional million dollars in revenue, what you do see is a tax increase. Not only have you seen your property taxes increase regardless of the influx of a million dollars in revenue but our borough’s debt has also increased from $3.2 million, since my opponent was elected to council in 2016, to $7 million dollars today

What I found during my first few weeks on council was a complete mismanagement of the boroughs budget with no accountability. Administrative raises regardless of performance, new cars during the worst inflation since the 70s, missed opportunities to generate additional revenue from renting facilities to out-of-town entities and more expenses on the backs of taxpayers. During the budget process, Garwood was given a little more transparency into the actual numbers, after I pushed for budget documents to be made available.

I have heard countless times how the revenue from the PILOT funds would benefit the residents but as you can see on your tax bills this isn't true. The PILOT funds were so mismanaged that the council had NO choice but to borrow from next year's anticipated payments to account for the money already spent. Mayor Todisco was actively reporting percentages of rentals leased at Vermella while the finance committee was expecting a full payment? This makes absolutely no sense. The PILOT agreement is based on rental percentages not a flat fee, and now everyone has a great concern for the shortfall in revenue that we will see it 2023. What should also not be lost in this is how the PILOT funds were shared with the BOE. The way it was structured, the BOE saw zero tax relief. In my experience I have always seen a back and forth between the municipality and the school with one party stuck in the middle and that is you, the taxpayer.

Garwood need leaders that have a financial background. Steve Napolitano, Brenda Caffrey and I will ensure the budget is managed properly and balanced. Our team has extensive private and public sector financial experience and that is exactly what Garwood needs. We will ensure that PILOT funds are properly allocated. We will ensure that residents see the benefits of revenue generated outside of their tax dollars. We will make sure that capital purchases make sense and are balanced through-out every department. We will begin the budget process sooner and much more transparent. Resident feedback needs to be heard prior to solidifying the budget.

We will ensure that all residents have a voice for the future of Garwood.

Along with my team, we look forward to your support on Novemeber 8th.

Kim Salmon for Mayor