July 15, 2008

Re:    2008 Budget Impact Survey

Dear Mayor:

This year, in the face of rapidly rising energy costs, pension costs, foreclosure rates and unemployment rates, local budget makers also face declining State property relief funding. We have received no assurances that things will be better in any of these areas next year.

In order to assess the impact of these developments across the State, the Department of Community Affairs and the League of Municipalities are collaborating on a survey effort, to understand actions that local budget makers are taking to address budget pressures and the stress on municipal property taxes.

Yesterday, the Department of Community Affairs distributed the survey to all municipal clerks, with instruction to share this information with you or another appropriate official in your municipality. A copy of the survey document is attached (WORD   PDF).

We, respectfully, ask that the survey be completed and returned to us by July 18.

Thank you for your assistance with this.

Very truly yours,

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director