June 3, 2010

RE: Important Survey Budgetary Impact of Spending Increases/Revenue Decreases Workability of Proposed 2.5% Cap

Dear Mayor:

In our efforts to maximize the public policy benefits of the Governor’s proposed 33 bill “Toolkit” of reforms, we are analyzing each of the bills, as it is introduced.

As indicated in our May 19 letter, we had asked to meet with the Administration to discuss ACR-131/SCR-104, which would allow a simple majority of those who cast ballots at a general election to amend the State’s Constitution to impose a 2.5% cap on all property tax levies.  (See our letter at http://www.njslom.org/letters/ml051910-const-cap.html. The Administration has contacted us and arrangements for our meeting are being finalized.

We see the 2.5% cap as the final piece, not the centerpiece, of the Governor’s plan, because it would only be practical if many of the cost-containment parts of the toolkit are already in place.

We need your assistance to further our review of the proposed 2.5% levy cap.

Please forward the attached short survey to your Chief Financial Officer and direct that professional to complete the form and return it the League by Friday, June 11, 2010, via fax at 609-695-0151.

Thanks for your assistance in this crucial effort.

Very truly yours,

William G. Dressel, Jr.
Executive Director

 

PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN VIA FAX (609-695-0151)

TO: JON R. MORAN
         (Fax: 609-695-0151)

FROM: ___________________________       TITLE:  _______________________________         
              (Name of Respondent)
                                            
MUNICIPALITY _______________________  

YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS________________________________________
*PLEASE REPORT PERCENTAGE INCREASES/DECREASES IN YOUR MUNICIPAL BUDGET FOR THE FOLLOWING SPENDING/REVENUE CATEGORIES FOR 2009 AND 2010*

(Percentage increase/decreases from 2008 to 2009 in column labeled “2009 %.” Percentage increase/decreases from 2009 to 2010 in column labeled “2010 %.”)

Spending side Increases                                2009    %                                2010____%

Health Benefits                                   ______________                    _______________

Pension                                               ______________                    _______________

Utilities                                               ______________                    _______________

Snow Removal                                   ______________                    _______________

Debt Service                                       ______________                    _______________

Insurance
(Liability, Auto)                                 ______________                    _______________

Insurance
(Worker’s compensation)                  ______________                    _______________

 

Revenue side declines

Court Fees                                          ______________                    _______________

Interest on Investments                      ______________                    _______________

Construction Code Fees        
(Budget or dedicated trust)                ______________                    _______________

State Formula Aid                              ______________                    _______________

Year end fund balances                      ______________                    _______________
(Year End Fund Balance
not fund balanced utilized)

* If 2010 Budget has not yet been adopted, please base your responses on proposed budget numbers.