3/21/16 Caucus

PERTH AMBOY – 3/21/16 Caucus – Resolution R-150-3/16 – Introduction of Calendar Year 2016 Budget.

Business Administrator Adam Cruz was happy to report, “There is a zero percent tax increase. We are able to maintain the same level of services.”

Despite this, Fernando Gonzalez had some concerns, “Employee salaries are not included. I need that information before I make my decision. This was part of the Best Practices in the past.”

Jill Goldy, Chief Financial Officer came up and told the Council, “Employee Salaries were not in the Best Practices List.”

Fernando Gonazlez came back and replied, “I have the information that had this (Employee Salaries) in the past.”

Business Administrator Adam Cruz said, “We went by the 2015 guidelines.”

At the 3/23/16 Council Meeting, Councilman Fernando Gonzalez still wanted a list of all employee salaries in the budget, “Maybe the last time it was done because of union negotiations.”

Councilman Bill Petrick also responded to this item when he made his Council Comments, “You’re entitled to see the list of salaries even when union negotiations are going on.”