December 18, 2013 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 7 Ridgewood Village implements advisory group’s recommendations by John Koster The Ridgewood Village Council heard an itemized suggestion list from the spokesperson of the Ridgewood Finan- cial Advisory Committee last week, and Acting Interim Village Manager Heather Mailander said some of the suggestions are already being implemented -- and will con- tinue to be put in place in 2014. Roberta Sonnenfeld, who has 30 years of experience in the financial commu- nity, read a list of recommendations at the Dec. 11 meeting, which council members broadly approved. The Ridgewood Financial Advisory Committee -- an officially recognized vol- unteer group whose members have expe- rience in business, accounting, corporate finance, and banking -- was formed to help stem the ever-increasing level of property taxation in Ridgewood, which the commit- tee had been projected to double within a decade when the committee organized a few years ago. Sonnenfeld’s list included a number of pragmatic ways to try to get spending under control. “I think they’re all great,” said Mayor Paul Aronsohn. Sonnenfeld initially suggested that some measure be taken to combine the budgeting processes of the council with the Ridgewood Board of Education and Bergen County. While observers see this suggestion as unlikely, her other recommendations were viewed as constructive and viable. Some of the suggestions follow: • The Ridgewood Village Council was urged to combine the capital budget and the operating budget. • The budgeting process, Sonnefeld said on behalf of the committee, should be reduced by 50 percent, from a full year, as it now is at least in function, to six months. • A full budget summary should be submitted by the head of each Ridgewood department. • The committee would like to look at department reviews to learn about specific needs and requirements. • Departments that need to spend more than 10 percent in excess of anticipated needs should have to explain this in some detail. • Quarterly financial statements should be submitted to the council and the com- mittee to keep track of finances during the fiscal year. Council Member Thomas Riche noted that Chief Financial Officer Steve Sanzari had been working with the volunteer group on a regular basis. The council was supportive of the ideas Sonnenfeld expressed at last week's council meeting and praised the committee for its contributions. A further report is expected in the middle of January. The Financial Advisory Committee -- sometimes called The Tiger Team -- was a response to a fiscal crunch that led to 34 layoffs of municipal employees as well as reductions, now substantially restored, to library services. Holiday Art Show & Sale under way The Ridgewood Art Institute Holiday Show and Sale is under way. The exhibit will remain open through Dec. 24. The Ridgewood Art Institute, a non profit organization, is located at 12 East Glen Avenue. For more information, visit ridgewood- artinstitute.org or call (201) 652-9615.