Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-April 15, 2009 Issue

Franklin Lakes April 15, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 5 Borough council introduces 2009 municipal budget by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Borough Council has introduced a $14,531,653 budget for 2009 that is $505,388 lower than last year’s total budget, but will increase the municipal portion of the tax rate by 1.4 cents to 19.1 cents. According to Frank DiMaria, the borough’s auditor, the increase is the result of a decrease in anticipated revenues, such as a $400,000 decrease in investment interest income, $120,000 less in construction code fees, a $505,000 reduction in the use of the borough’s surplus toward this budget, and the loss of $101,000 in state aid. The 1.4 cent increase will increase the property tax on a home in the borough with the average assessed value of $1,278,690 by $179 per year. When the anticipated tax increases for the schools and the county are added to this municipal rate increase, the borough’s total tax rate is expected to rise by 3.1 cents to $1.185, which would increase the property tax on that house with the average assessed value by $390 per year to $15,153. Mayor Maura DeNicola has emphasized, however, that this budget is unacceptable. She said more would need to be done to reduce the 7.9 percent increase in the municipal tax rate. She urged the council to continue working on further reductions even on such things as the police overtime cost and the cost of pleading down violations in the municipal court. “We have to look at every possible thing in every department,” she said. “We have to be the champion of the taxpayer here. We have to make government efficient and affordable with the taxpayer in mind.” Council President Nathalie Lota agreed that more work has to be done on the budget. “The entire council and the mayor have been working diligently on the budget to make as many cuts in expenses as possible without severely impacting services,” Lota said. “Though the budget was introduced, we realize that we still have a lot of work to do in the coming weeks.” (continued on page 31) �� Wyckoff Wedding Connection �� Bridal Show April 21, 2009 6-8 pm THE BRICK HOUSE Wine and Cheese will be Served 179 Godwin Ave, Wyckoff RSVP to franktuxman@aol.com or call 201-891-1141 Limited to First 50 Brides and 1 Guest Wyckoff Florist & Gifts 866-858-PINK (7465) www.wyckoffﬂorist.com Tuxedo World of Wyckoff 201-891-1141 www.tuxedoworldofwyckoff.com Taylor Phillips Videographer 201-236-1109 www.tpvideo.com Devon Fine Jewelry 201-848-8489 www.devonﬁnejewelry.com Chocolate Etc. 201-891-3711 www.chocolateetc.com Presence Invitations & Gifts 201-848-0023 www.presenceofwyckoff.com Vander Plaat Livery Service 800-346-5466 • 201-891-3856 www.vanderplaatlimo.com The Brick House 201-848-1211 www.thebrickhousewyckoff.com Total Concept Hair Salon 201-891-2550 www.totalconceptsalon Concierge Travel & Cruise Consultants, Inc. 201-891-0070 • 877-2-SPOIL-U www.conciergetravel.com WWW.WYCKOFFWEDDINGCONNECTION.COM