Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • May 13, 2009 The Young Professionals Network of the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce will host its next gathering on May 15. The meeting will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Sheraton Mahwah Hotel, One International Boulevard in Mahwah. Meet many young professionals from the area. Light refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Young Professionals Network announces gathering The primary goal of the YPN is to create a venue where young professionals can meet informally, without the constraints of a formal networking event. Unlike other networking groups, the YPN has no formal membership list, no dues, no compulsory attendance, and no registration fee. There is no cost for this event; however, preregistration is required. To register for the event, visit online at www.mahwah.com or call the Chamber’s office at (201) 529- 5566 for assistance and additional information about Chamber activities. Mahwah budget (continued from page 9) Martel pointed out that the municipal portion of the township’s tax rate is less than 25 percent of the township’s total tax rate. He described that as “a bargain” considering everything that is accomplished with the municipal portion of the taxes, such as the maintenance of roads, the collection of garbage, police protection, and salaries and benefits for township employees. He emphasized that the township is “in a very good position compared to other municipalities.” Aside from any adjustments by the county tax board to make the township’s total tax rate a round number, the rate is expected to rise to 47.2 cents while the school tax rate is expected to rise to $1.254 and the Bergen County tax rate is expected to rise to 31.4 cents based on current projections, while the municipal open space tax rate will remain at one cent. The township’s total tax rate is expected to rise to $2.05, which would result in a $7,347 annual property tax for a home with the average assessed value of $358,417. Councilman Allan Kidd was the lone member of the council to vote against the adoption of the budget. “This budget, like those in the past, contains a significant amount of fluff,” Kidd said. “With the budgetary process, many in government find it easier to raise taxes across the board, as opposed to focusing their sights upon individual departments in the town that have a propensity to burn cash more quickly than it is provided to them. In light of the recent economic crunch, in which people are losing their jobs and homes, I feel it is socially and fiscally irresponsible to cram yet another tax hike down the throats of Mahwah residents, when it is just not necessary.” Michael DeLuca, a Parsons Court resident, asked the council some questions about the state imposed caps on the township’s budget, the township’s contribution to the library, and the “shovel ready” projects the township has submitted to the state for consideration as projects deserving some of the federal stimulus package money that the state has received from the federal government. But he was complimentary of the township’s council members for their handling of the budget. “I want to compliment the mayor and council for doing a fantastic job in the way the governing body serves the residents of this town,” DeLuca said. “Everyone endeavors to go out of their way to help people. As a resident, I want to compliment you and thank you very much.” �������� ������� ���������� ��������������������� ��������� �� YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER �����������������