Verona Council Introduces 2011 Municipal Budget

Calling it a "work in progress" Verona Township Manager Joseph Martin introduced the $21.4 million 2011 municipal budget at Monday night's Town Council meeting.

While the budget was introduced, there was little commentary on it.  Martin explained the introduction was "procedural". He added, "there will be plenty of time for public commentary." 

The public hearing will be held on June 6. Copies of the budget specifics will be available this Thursday after 2 pm in the Municipal offices.

Martin did say the proposed budget represents a "zero percent increase in the tax levy".  He added, "in fact the budget is $270,000 below the levy cap limit and $415,000 below the expenditure limit.

Martin did advise residents that "just because there is a zero percent increase, this does not mean that your taxes will not increase."  Some expenditures fall outside of the cap such as pensions and health benefits.

In a later interview, Martin said the average per-household municipal tax increase would be approximately $200 this year.

Furthermore, the municipal budget only represents a portion of total taxes collected in Verona, with the Board of Education budget and the Essex county budget contributions  comprising the remaining portions.

After explaining the mechanics, three procedural resolutions and one ordinance were voted on and unanimously approved by the council:

• The local district school tax was deferred.  This resolution is voted on every year by the Council since the Board of Education operates on a July-June fiscal calendar while the town operates on a calendar year.
• The actual resolution introducing the $21.4 Million budget.
• A resolution adopting a temporary budget until final approval of introduced budget.
• An ordinance that will allow Verona if necessary to go over its budget cap and establish a cap bank.  Martin explained this is a "housekeeping ordinance" that the town  votes on every year.  "It is an insurance policy that the town has never had to use," he added.

During the public commentary, Robert Caruso, who is running for Town Council asked if it was possible for the Council to set a budget that would create a zero percent increase both for items within and outside of the budget cap.

Martin replied that any budget is possible, but this would create such "draconian changes". 

The 2011 budget does maintain all town services.

Other Council Business

• Verona Environmental Commission Chairman Gerard Shimonaski informed the Council of the Commission's upcoming Earth Day plans on April 30.  The Commission is encouraging residents to recycle plastic supermarket bags.  Shimonaski also informed the Council of state legislation requiring licenses for professional landscapers who use fertilizers and pesticides.  More information can be found on the Commission's website.
• Timothy Newton, the Superintendent of Verona's Wastewater Operations plant, provided an overview of upgrades at the town's treatment plant.  He also discussed impending environmental legislation that could impact operations and costs at the plant.
• Mayor Teena Schwartz reported she and Deputy Mayor Frank Sapienza participated in the Two Girl Scout Troops, as well as members of the Verona UNICO also participated.