Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • April 3, 2013 Area Budgets include $145 increase CMI hosts annual by John Koster The combined impact of school and municipal budgets on the average Glen Rock taxpayer is expected to increase by about $145, based on the board of education’s 2013-14 budget and the “work-in-progress” council budget introduced last week. The overall tax rate to be paid by Glen Rock property owners includes taxes to fund the schools, municipal operations, and additional taxes for other purposes, including funds for Bergen County. The overall tax rate will be available later this year. Councilman Carmine Nogara said the average increase in the municipal-purpose taxes associated with the council’s budget would be about $174 increase in taxes,” Council Member Carmine Nogara said at last week’s Glen Rock Council meeting. He cautioned that the budget is not entirely completed. The budget total for municipal government was verbally stated as $17,340,159. The projected tax increase of $180 for council purposes such as police, road department, and administration was offered verbally subject to possible future change. “It’s been a tough year,” Nogara sad, citing the increased pattern of uncollected taxes as a major reason for the borough’s inability to bring off a zero-increase budget as council members had hoped. Mayor John van Keuren and Nogara said all basic services would be maintained in the municipal budget. “The borough is in good shape,” said Nogara. “...and that comes from a person who holds a doctorate in accounting,” Mayor van Keuren added. The borough council pulled the municipal salary ordinance providing salary ranges for local full-time and parttime employees and carried it to a future meeting. (continued on page 14) Community Meals, Inc. recently hosted its annual Mayors for Meals Day as a part of its March for Meals campaign. Mayors Paul S. Aronsohn of Ridgewood, Vince Barra of Allendale, John van Keuren of Glen Rock, and Councilman Jack Considine of Midland Park participated in the event to show their support for our community’s homebound and hungry seniors. Because of a scheduling conflict, Mayor Thomas A. Giordano of Waldwick helped out the following day. Community Meals, Inc. invited elected officials to observe the meal packing process in the Christ Church kitchen. Hot and cold meals are prepared by Valley Dining at The Valley Hospital, and a Valley Hospital kitchen technician delivers the hot meals in bulk containers. The CMI volunteers then pack the food into individual, labeled aluminum tins. Sixty to 75 clients receive meals every weekday. After the meals were packed, the local government officials accompanied dedicated volunteers on routes through their respective towns to embrace the volunteer experience and connect with CMI’s clients – their constituents. “Once again, we are excited about having the mayors and elected officials participate in our Mayors for Meals Day event. The exposure helps people realize that this service is available!” said Executive Director Stacey Gilmartin. (continued on page 15) Mayors for Meals