Mayor: No Additional State Aid Cut is a 'Relief' But Budget is Still a Challenge

Mayor Rose Heck called Governor Christie’s announcement that there will be no further cuts in state aid for municipalities a relief however the borough still faces challenges with the 2011 budget.

During her mayoral report Tuesday night, she told the audience she listened intently to the along with Councilwoman Pamela Link, Councilman Justin DiPisa and Borough Administrator Mike Kronyak and was happy to learn that the borough will not lose the $100,000 in state aid they received last year. The borough lost about a quarter of a million in state aid last year.

In his address, Governor Christie said, "And also in the context of property taxes, this year’s budget continues to provide municipalities with steady aid. That's right, mayors – at the exact same level as last year. So there is no excuse for this relief to be eaten up with higher local taxes, between receiving no further cut in municipal aid, and implementing a 2% cap on property taxes."

Due to continued increase in pension and health benefits along with the 2 percent cap Mayor Heck said that the borough is looking at some big cuts. She stated the borough is looking into adding new revenues but does not believe this will be in place for this year’s budget but they are still working on it.

The deadline to introduce municipal budget has been extended from Feb. 10 to March 11.