At the very outset let me say that Governor Corzine inherited this mess. Created by past Governors and Legislatures of both parties. Yes, we need corrective measures, and yes they will be painful. However, the comments of press secretary Lilo Stainton show a total disconnect with the problem. “Every level of government has to share in the burden during this time of fiscal crisis.” Are you kidding me? Municipalities have lived under at least a 2.5% operational budget cap for many years while the State has not. Municipalities did not create this “fiscal crisis.” “Local communities don’t have to pass the (aid reduction) on to their taxpayers. They too can reduce spending as the state government has done.” How dare you! How can you take credit for a state budget cut in municipal aid and then expect municipalities to provide the services that their residents expect without any means to make up this shortfall? Burlington Township’s revenue was reduced by $279,384. This amounts to over a penny when applied to the Township’s Local Purpose Tax. Where else do we look for it? Our bills on items common to households (energy, insurance, consumables, etc.) continue to rise at levels well above 2.5%. Throw in negotiated labor costs and increasing trash tipping fees and mix in a revenue loss and where does that put you? There is no way that these measures touch or even hint at any real tax relief. The recently imposed 4% tax levy cap will effectively deplete any municipal surpluses in the very near future. To comply with this cap a municipality must anticipate revenues and use existing surplus to the point of exhausting this account, all for the well intentioned property tax relief. Immediate – yes. Long term – not a chance. This process just begs the question of our residents and taxpayers: “Would you run your household with no money in the bank (surplus) as the State is imposing on its municipalities? The answer is obvious. Cordially, Kevin J. McLernon,
Administrator
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