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2015 Municipal Budget Points of Interest

B.A. Jillian Barrick

B.A. Jillian Barrick

PERTH AMBOY – 4/20/15 Caucus – Former Councilman Kenneth Balut cautioned B.A. Jillian Barrick in how items are worded on the agenda. He questioned the numbers of personnel given in reference to the Police and Fire Departments. “Sometimes the wording on the agenda indicates that the numbers are increasing in these departments when in fact they are not. The same number of officers hired are replacing those who retire. That is not an increase in personnel.”

Balut was pleased to see that Code Enforcement would actually be increasing their personnel.

B.A. Jillian Barrick  agreed that Balut was correct, “Plus there will be no personnel changes in the dispatch department.”

Balut also questioned what was included in the Mayor’s budget, referencing if bodyguards and drivers are included. The B.A. responded, “The Mayor’s budget covers her staff.”

He continued questioning Barrick, “How is the former B.A. (Fehrenbach) paid for special services that he performs now? Out of what budget?”

Barrick answered, “Fehrenbach’s contract is under consulting fees under a separate line item under my budget.”

C.F.O. Jill Goldy referenced Resolution R-166-4/15 amending the CY-2015 Budget. “We had to include the cost of the special election because of the budget hearing that was held on 4/13/15. Adjustments had to be made, especially for the Department of Public Works. Additional costs are 10% of amended line items. Those items will be on the agenda of the special meeting to be held on Thursday, April 30th.”

B.A. Jillian Barrick added, “Revenues have to be amended to include the special election, Landings Negotiations, Planning and Zoning Board Expenses, Salaries and Overtime for the Police Department. Department of Public Works costs were increased due to a very harsh winter, especially during March. Several Civic Activities took place and additional names will be placed on the Veterans Memorial.”

Resident and Businesswoman Sharon Hubberman said, “The interest and principle are factored into our debt services.” She questioned the $6 million, “Where was it applied? Also the water company used to pay the City concession fees. What happened to them? How are we getting our debt down? We received Sandy funs of $8 million.”

B.A. Jillian Barrick said, “There are two caps that are factored into the budget: One is a legislative cap of 5.5% and the governor’s cap which is 2%. We can bank 3.5% of the cap if it is in excess. As far as the water concession fees – that was ceased within the last two years. Those fees were known as short term fees. With the Sandy funds, we borrowed $17 million in which $8 million were reimbursed by FEMA. We only bonded $12 million.”

There will be a special Budget Hearing on Thursday, April 30 at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. 

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