April 20, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 15 Waldwick Waldwick taxes will go up to support the municipal budget, but the increase will be less than the state-imposed 2 percent cap. The town council last week adopted a total budget of $13,560,561 for 2011 that reflects an increase of 1.2 percent over 2010. Annual taxes on a house assessed at $416,000, the borough’s average, will increase by $29.12 a year for municipal purposes only. Councilwoman Anita Bozzo said that the spending plan was prepared with an open mind over many months, and reflected the council’s desire to keep expenses down while maintaining the current standard of living. “We retained the things that are important to us, such as the library and other things that make Waldwick a pleasant place in which to live. We tried hard to balance all interests,” she said. Bozzo credited several factors with the ability to produce a tight budget. She said the police chief had kept down overtime, and the DPW was making do with equipment they’d rather replace, and that all department heads had kept down expenditures, including staff reductions in the police department and DPW. Council adopts 2011 budget with $29 average increase Bozzo said employees’ contribution of 2 percent of salary to health benefits had also helped, as had a $50,000 reduction in garbage disposal costs, $18,000 in garbage collection and $35,000 savings in electricity due to recent energy efficiencies. She said less surplus had been put back into the budget than in the past so as to be better prepared for emergencies. The new budget anticipates $805,000 or 37.7 percent of the surplus balance. In 2009, $918,000 or 44.8 percent was anticipated. Councilman Frank Palladino voted “no” on the budget, saying that he wanted to start the process with a zero percent increase and then cut back from there. While acknowledging that most expenses are outside of the council’s control, he said: “I want to stem the tide.” “We are on solid footing. We are fiscally responsible while providing the same level of service,” said Councilman Don Sciolaro. “We should stay the course and continue to be diligent in how we manage,” added Sciolaro pointed out that the borough already participates in many shared services opportunities, including leaf removal, road paving, salt purchasing and a number of services with the board of education. Waldwick also shares its police pistol range with several neighboring towns and the court administrator with Midland Park. The fixed financial obligations increased by $285,822. Sewer charges to the Northwest Berger County Utilities Authority are up $76,751. Employee pension contributions jumped $122,899 and health benefits costs increased by $56,172. Additionally, the borough had to increase by $30,000 the reserve for uncollected taxes based on the previous year’s data. is pleased to announce that Early registration for The Waldwick Chamber of Commerce’s May 1 5K and 1 Mile Walk will close on April 22. The first 300 registrants will receive commemorative Tshirts and deluxe goodie bags. More than 500 participants are expected to participant in the Grand Prix-sanctioned event through the USATF-NJ. Early registration for 5K and Walk to close All proceeds from the annual event will benefit the Waldwick community, with a special donation given to the “Kisses 4 Kelly” fundraising effort. For online registration or additional information, visit www.waldwickchamber.com or wwwraceforum.com or call Kim Post (201) 693-6734. Alissa, from Saddle Brook and Keri, formerly of Salon AUM of Fair Lawn, have joined our staff. 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