Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES Allendale III • April 28, 2010 Council introduces $12 million municipal budget by John Koster The introduction of Allendale’s municipal purpose budget at last week’s meeting of the borough council and the approval of the K-8 and Northern Highlands regional budgets means that the taxes on the average Allendale house, assessed at $537,905, will increase a total of $288 for school and government purposes. This figure does not include local taxes in support of Bergen County expenditures. Allendale’s total municipal purpose budget, which covers police, roads, public safety, maintenance, and administration, is $12,307,341, with an amount of $9,007,957 to be raised by local property taxes. The taxes on the average house will rise from $13,999 to $14,288. The local government portion of the tax impact, not counting the schools and county, will cost the owner of the average house an extra $116. Auditor Charles Ferraioli, who described the budget at the work session before the public meeting last Thursday, praised the council and staff for their responsible management. “This is one of the best budgets I’ve seen in years and the council should be commended for their work on it,” Ferraioli said. Mayor Vince Barra commended the council’s Finance Committee and Chief Financial Officer Alissa Mayer for capable and diligent work in preparing a budget he was proud of. He noted that that the increase had been limited to 1.46 percent despite significant loss of revenue due to the economy, and that the increase in expenses had been limited to less than 1 percent – 0.9 percent, Barra said – while some needed programs were being maintained. The budget hearing will be held in Allendale Borough Hall at 8 p.m. on May 27. Sump pump (continued from page 5) dwelling units, Kratz said. Borough officials are working on a game plan to close the water usage gap and reduce the treatment costs. Kratz said the borough wants to identify who is using sump pumps and offer residents legal alternatives. Kratz said that if the inflow into the sewer pump station on the west side of town near the Wyckoff border is not decreased, then the station will have to be upgraded to handle the flow. “It’s expensive either way,” Kratz said. Councilman Chuck Farricker wondered whether there would be legal ramifications in going into residents’ homes to find the sump pumps. Borough Attorney Craig Bossong said the borough already has tapes from underground cameras which identify the homes that use sump pumps. Former Mayor Frank McKenna, speaking at a meeting last month, pointed out that some residents with high water tables have no options, and that fines would not produce the desired results. He suggested the borough provide assistance for them to hook into the storm drain system. He pointed out that water drained into the street destroys the street, which adds to road maintenance costs. “We have to look at the ramifications of anything we undertake,” Kratz said, indicating a preference for a solution that can be implemented within existing resources. Kratz said that the borough has been working on reducing “inflow and infiltration” into the sanitary sewer system by identifying and fixing leaks in the underground pipes. “We haven’t had a significant impact in reducing the flow. Sure, some comes from the street, but more comes from the sump pumps that are not discharging properly and instead are going into the sanitary sewer system,” he said. “The taxpayers are paying to treat storm water,” he added. “We don’t know the scope of the problem nor the solutions,” said Councilman Don Sciolaro at a recent borough council meeting. “How big a problem is it? How difficult are the solutions?” he asked. Borough Engineer Michael DeSena will attend a council meeting in May to discuss the situation and help the borough develop a game plan, Kratz said. From Communion to Prom to Wedding… ������������ Hair � ����������� ���������� has you covered! ������� ����������������������� �� Care ������������ ��������������������� � � ������������������� ��������������� ����������������������������������� �������������� �������������������� ���������������������� Serving All Your Air Conditioning & Heating Needs Prompt, Reliable Service You Can Depend On, Plus The Personal Attention You Deserve. • Oil & Gas Heat Systems Serviced & Installed • Automatic Fuel Oil Deliveries • Tank Insurance Available 24 Hour Air Mother’s Day Section Wednesday, April 28 Call Today to Advertise in our Special Publication Date: Wednesday, May 5th Advertising Deadline: it n tion ConsdInsiollaing ta , Sale & Service ����������������������� 201-891-1000 Emergency Service 201-652-0744 YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER