Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • March 18, 2009 Ho-Ho-Kus Council undertakes restructuring, job consolidation by Jennifer Crusco The Ho-Ho-Kus Council recently approved a resolution that calls for departmental restructuring and job consolidation within the borough. According to the resolution, these actions are part of an ongoing assessment of operational and budgetary matters that have been under continual review in light of recent financial issues facing the borough. Ho-Ho-Kus Borough Administrator Don Cirulli pointed out that the borough is attempting to cut the 2009 municipal purpose budget as much as possible, and anticipates receiving less funding from the state. State aid figures released last week show that the borough stands to lose approximately $16,000 in state aid this year. According to Cirulli, three temporary department of public works employees had been let go sooner than originally anticipated, and a few departments were being considered for restructuring. He declined to mention specifics since any potential changes are still tentative. However, Cirulli said that a borough hall employee had left and would not be replaced. That person’s responsibilities will be absorbed by another existing employee. The administrator said the former employee had held a key post, and added that the borough anticipates a savings of approximately $100,000 to $150,000 from this change. Cirulli also pointed to the borough’s decision, made earlier this year, to pave only two roads rather than the seven that had been considered for resurfacing during 2009. This move will save the borough approximately $150,000 to $162,000 in this year’s capital budget. The roads that will be paved in 2009 include First Street between Maple Avenue and Brookside, and Brookside between Warren Avenue and the railroad. The administrator added that there had been plans to refurbish some areas of borough hall, but those projects have been put on hold in order to save funds in this year’s budget. He emphasized that the deferred maintenance would not affect safety. Ho-Ho-Kus Chief Financial Officer Joseph Citro is reportedly working on the 2009 spending plan, which could be introduced next month. Cirulli emphasized that the borough is trying not to raise municipal purpose taxes. He added that the borough does not anticipate exceeding the State of New Jersey’s four-percent cap. Ho-Ho-Kus Jottings Scholarships available through HSA The Ho-Ho-Kus Home and School Association will be accepting applications for HSA scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each until April 16. The awards will be made on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and community service. Financial need is not a prerequisite. Graduating high school seniors who are currently residing in Ho-Ho-Kus and who have attended the Ho-Ho-Kus Public School for at least one year are eligible. Interested students can pick up their application at either the borough hall, the Ho-Ho-Kus School office or at the Northern Highlands school office. Call Dawn Shea at (551) 427-7838 for additional information. Retirement program for women offered The Worth-Pinkham Memorial Library will offer “It’s Not Your Mother’s Retirement” at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 26 at the library. The workshop will focus on lifelong retirement planning for women of all ages. The workshop is free, open to the community, and will be presented by local resident Katherine Caso. The Ho-Ho-Kus Public Library is located at 91 Warren Avenue. Bridge event planned The Ho-Ho-Kus Woman’s Club will host its Spring Bridge Benefit on Friday, March 27 at noon. The event will be held at the Waldwick Methodist Church, 25 Franklin Turnpike in Waldwick, and will include homemade desserts and prizes. Tickets are $15; call Rita at (201) 236-1625. Men’s softball registration set Registration for the Ho-Ho-Kus/Saddle River Men’s Softball League is underway. Games are played on Sunday mornings between April 5 and June 28. 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