Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 18, 2011
Ridgewood
Village may find extra $35,000 for library operation
by John Koster
Ridgewood Mayor Keith Killion said the village council might be able to find an additional $35,000 to help sustain operations at the Ridgewood Public Library, which could otherwise have to close on eight Fridays and nine Sundays over the summer. Supporters of the library argued -- ostensibly, with some success -- that the library programs are so valuable to children, seniors, scholars, and the general public that the programs and the library deserves special consideration. Mayor Killion’s announcement reduced the projected $79,000 library budget cut by about 40 percent, and the hope appeared to be that essential services could be maintained. “It’s not easy to do reductions, and people may say there are not enough reductions…but services and infrastructure will be compromised, so it’s a balancing act,” Deputy Mayor Thomas Riche said. The budget projects total expenditures of $57,805,275, with a tax impact of $3,844 for municipal government services. (This figure does not include the school or Bergen County taxes.) The projected increase on the house assessed at the village’s average of $797,422 is
estimated at $255. The final adoption vote was slated for June 8 after the closing of last week’s May 11 hearing. John Saraceno, president of the Ridgewood Library Board, said the cumulative cuts to library service over the past few years amounted functionally to about $230,000, rather than $79,000. Ridgewood Library Director Nancy Greene was present with several library staffers, but did not speak. However, a number of residents urged that the library’s contributions and needs be taken very seriously when making budget cuts. “The first step of cultivating the intellect of all children in the town happens at the library,” said James K, Griffith, a 45-year resident who served four years on the Ridgewood Library Board. “No kid in this town doesn’t want to go to school because it reminds them of the library. The library is the hub of the excellence of education here.” Griffith added that English as a Second Language programs taught by volunteers to help foreign-born res-
idents learn English are a benefit to the whole community, and even the most conservative Americans should acknowledge their importance. This March, the Ridgewood Library began charging tutors and program coordinators for the use of library space, which was previously free. The library also charges library visitors from outside Ridgewood $1 an hour for the use of computer terminals. Both programs are said to have had some positive impact on revenues. The municipal government of Ridgewood laid off 13 percent of the municipal staff in 2010 to reduce expenditures, and five of the seven employees’ unions have negotiated reductions in pay increases. Police officers each donated one day of unpaid furlough to save the jobs of the two officers most recently hired. Deputy Mayor Riche suggested that one future economy to explore might be the reduction of the village’s vehicular fleet by attrition. “We’re holding it together with bailing wire and chewing gum,” he said. Riche also suggested the replacement of some vehicles with those that offer better fuel economy.
Helpful Hints Helpful Hints
from ome
“Soak clay pots in water before using so they will not absorb nutrients from the potting soil”.
27 Franklin Tpk, Waldwick
Open Sundays 9-3
201-652-5666
Billy Says...
The Ridgewood Department of Parks and Recreation, an authorized American Red Cross provider, will offer several certification courses to village teens and adults. The Red Cross Babysitter’s Training Certification class for 11- to 15-year-olds will be held May 21 and again on June 27 (choose one date). Hours will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Patrick M. Mancuso Senior Center in Village Hall, 131 North Maple Avenue. Registration is $95. Attendees are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and beverage. This class will help students identify safety problems around the house and yard and select age-appropriate toys and games for children in their care. Participants will learn first aid, diapering and feeding techniques,
Red Cross certification classes offered
how to handle bedtime issues, and how to interview for a babysitting job. A First Aid/CPR/AED Certification Course, offered to participants age 15 and up, will meet June 7 and 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Stable. Attendance at both classes is required. Registration is $35. A CPR Recertification Course will be held Tuesday, June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Stable. The course is open to participants age 15 and up. Registration is $20. Register online at www.ridgewoodnj.net/communitypass or in person or by mail at The Stable, 259 North Maple Avenue. Registration forms are on the recreation homepage at www.ridgewoodnj.net. Call (201) 6705560 for details.
���������
Spacious 1 BR - must see
���������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������
������������ NOW RENTING
���������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������
Second Hand Treasures
�������������������������
201-488-5085
������������������
������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������
������������
�������������������������
��������������������
����������������������
4-27-11 janine\ SecondHandTreasures2x2(4-27-11) 2 x 2”