Westwood Council Expects to Keep Tax Levy Increase to 1 Percent

The Westwood Council is scheduled to introduce a budget Tuesday that will not increase the tax levy by more than 1 percent, which was a goal set by the mayor and council at the beginning of the year.

The proposed budget would have made a slightly larger increase, but the borough will be able to use a portion of the $183,000 in construction permit fees from Hackensack University Medical Center for work being done to the former Mayor John Birkner said there could still be more money collected in fees from the hospital, but the borough will only use what is needed this year to keep the tax levy down.

Birkner said he expects the tax increase to be around $35 for the average Westwood homeowner.

"We're in a favorable position," Birkner said.

The council finished most of the budget decisions at a special meeting Monday, including the choice to budget for a new recycling contract. The contract includes weekly recycling pick-up on Wednesdays, instead of the current alternating weeks. According to Council President Cynthia Waneck, using the contractor will save money and allow DPW employees to concentrate their efforts on many other jobs that need to be done.

"We're adding a tremendous service to the borough," Birkner said. "We're utilizing the manpower that we do have to take care of many things that they're unable to get to."

DPW Superintendent Rick Woods said he expects the weekly recycling pick-up will also generate more revenue for the borough, as some residents currently throw out recyclables with their trash on the weeks there is no recycling pick-up.

The mayor and council are scheduled to start their public meeting at 8 p.m. in the