Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • June 16, 2010 Franklin Lakes Council balks at approving Christie’s cap proposal by Frank J. McMahon The Franklin Lakes Borough Council is skeptical about endorsing Governor Chris Christie’s proposal to place a 2.5 percent cap on annual property tax increases. At a recent council session, Mayor Maura DeNicola asked the council to consider a resolution expressing its endorsement and support for the governor’s proposal to place a 2.5 percent cap on annual property tax increases through a constitutional amendment. She provided the council with a copy of a resolution that was recently passed by the governing body in Hanover that endorsed the governor’s proposal “to stop uncontrollable spending by municipalities, school districts, and other local government entities.” In that resolution, the Hanover Township Committee stated that it believes the governor’s comprehensive plan for fiscal management and austerity is the way to initiate true financial reform and “to help the state on the road back from financial disaster to a state of prosperity.” The complained about excessive spending at all levels of government and pointed to the current recession with its double digit unemployment, foreclosures, and downsizing of businesses and industries that have contributed to a “colossal” loss of revenue to the state treasury. It described Christie’s proposal as a “bold program to rein in spending and close a projected $10.7 million budget gap for the fiscal year of 2010-11.” The Franklin Lakes Council was hesitant to support the proposal with a resolution because the governor’s proposal does not contain the tools to stay within that cap given the recent increases in medical and utility costs, which the council claims have been rising much greater than the 2.5 percent proposed by the governor. “I support it,” Councilman Frank Bivona said of the resolution, “but there’s no tool kit. It doesn’t say how to achieve it. It has to incorporate the governor’s cap on all elements of the budget.” Councilman Steven Marcus agreed, saying he would not commit to such a cap without understanding how to achieve it. “If health insurance goes up 25 percent, a 2.5 percent cap will be difficult to achieve,” Marcus said. He added that there could also be shortfalls in revenue and said it would be “foolhardy” to think the borough could stay within a 2.5 percent cap. “As a goal it is great,” Marcus said, “but anything beyond that is foolhardy.” DeNicola agreed that there needs to be continuing dialogue about a “tool kit” to achieve the cap because medical and util- ity cost increases are a problem. But she explained the resolution was intended to support the direction of the cap on local budgets. Bivona countered that it was obvious the borough could not commit to a 2.5 percent cap on its budget if all other costs are rising more than 2.5 percent. Councilman William Smith did not agree to support the cap resolution either. “I can’t agree if other things are not capped,” Smith said. He added that he agreed with the general concept in order to limit tax increases. Councilwoman Nathalie Lota was not present at the meeting, but Councilwoman Paulette Ramsey and Councilman Michael Friscia did not support the resolution. DeNicola asked that it be put on the agenda for the council’s July work session for further discussion. NEED MULCH? Hardwood • Hemlock Cedar • Oak Colored: Black, Brown, Red Top Soil • Compost Decorative Stone Installation • Free Estimates Wholesale and Retail Franklin Lakes Borough Administrator Gregory Hart has received the council’s authorization to contact Ridgewood to obtain information about using the village’s videoconferencing equipment for the municipal court appearances of prisoners in the Bergen County Jail. When this option is used, the prisoners do not have to be transported from the county jail to the local municipal court. Video conferencing of prisoners considered The use of Ridgewood’s videoconferencing equipment was proposed by the village at the May Northwest Bergen Mayor’s Association meeting as a way to reduce the cost of court appearances for prisoners. According to Ridgewood Court Administrator Maria Doerr, the videoconferencing equipment is available at the Ridgewood Municipal Court and the Bergen County (continued on page 26) RVH MULCH SUPPLY WYCKOFF, NJ 201-304-5055 WE HAVE MOVED TO OUR NEW LOCATION! 5-19-10 Pat/Janine RHVMulchColor3x3(5-19-10) 3 x 3” Rev1 ����� ��������� 266 Harristown Rd, Suite 102, Glen Rock GLEN ROCK PLAZA 201.345.5621 LASER & COSMETIC DENTISTRY FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY FULL SERVICE DENTAL CARE • Orthodontics • Invisalign (Invisible Braces) • Porcelain Veneers • Implants • Teeth Whitening • Oral Cancer Screening • Periodontal Treatment Mayra Modesto-Garrido D.D.S We Offer Line Of Credits And Financing Plans Free Consultation • We Accept Most Dental Insurance We Offer Oral Sedation