New Jersey League of Municipalities

Over 400 passionate municipal officials, representing municipalities with fewer than 10,000 residents, converged on Trenton for the League’s first briefing on Governor Corzine’s proposed budget. The attendees were reminded that the Governor’s proposal marks the beginning of the process that will end, before June, with the approval of the State’s final spending plan for the next fiscal year. And, while the Administration is adamant on aggregate budget cuts and there would be no promises that any municipal funding would be restored, we were assured that the Administration welcomes reasonable suggestions and that the League will continue to be involved, as the process moves forward. But it’s up to you to stress the need to restore these important budget costs.

We want to thank the local officials, who took the time to come to Trenton, with an understanding of the State’s fiscal problems, but with a commitment to making sure that their citizens will not be asked to inequitably contribute to a solution.

Many of the comments made by participants during the question and answer period impressed the State’s policy makers and, we were assured, will be considered as the Administration further assesses the fairness of the impact of the proposal on local property taxpayers.

We remind officials in communities of more than 10,000 residents of our next scheduled briefing, next Thursday, March 13, in Trenton. The meeting will take place from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. It will be held in the George Washington Ballroom of Trenton’s War Memorial Building.

Officials who can attend should please e-mail confirmation to Ms. Donna Baltz at dbaltz@njslom.com as soon as possible, but no later than Noon, Wednesday, March 12.

For more information on the issue, contact Jon Moran at 609-695-3481, ext. 121.

Acting Treasurer David Rousseau explains the considerations that led to the property tax relief cuts.

DCA Commissioner Joe Doria explains how DCA can help local officials deal with the cuts.

League First Vice President, Mayor Tim McDonough, and President, Mayor Bob Bowser, at the briefing.