Utility budget stable despite wet summer
E. Brunswick officials
see no increase in water bills this year
By nicole c. vaccaro
Staff Writer
DDespite a very wet summer, East Brunswick was able to maintain stability among its major utilities, keeping costs level for residents.
Township Finance Director Lou Neely reported at Monday’s Township Council meeting that the Crystal Springs Family Aquatic Center as well as water, parking and police training utilities did not suffer any major losses at the hands of Mother Nature this season.
While the Crystal Springs facility came in under its estimated revenue budget of $700,000, a $300,000 fund balance protects taxpayers from experiencing any increase.
"These numbers pertain to gate revenue only," said Neely. "And the decrease is a direct result of losing about 30,000 guests to rain this year."
The fund balance serves as a cash reserve of sorts to protect the residents from tax increases as a result of one imperfect season.
"We brought in approximately $717,000 in gate revenue last year and only about $600,000 this year," he said. "But we shouldn’t complain, considering we’ve had one bad year in five."
As for water bills, the township projects no rate increase again due to a budget surplus.
"Our anticipated number of $5.7 million in water rents and budget should be met, or at least come very close to being met," said Neely. "Rain doesn’t really affect people’s use of water that much. They still shower, cook, etc."
The community’s parking utility actually improved this year, according to Neely.
The Nielson facility alone supports 1,070 parking spots for the municipality’s use and they were all full. In fact, residents would like to see more spots open up; however, that could prove to be as costly as $1,100 per space in Tower 2.
"It wouldn’t pay for us to add spaces for the price when we have approximately 300 available at the surface lot," said Neely.
The surface lot is located outdoors and people are hesitant to park there during inclement or hot weather, opting for the protected and shaded garages.
Finally, the police training utility is expected to raise only $25,000-$30,000 in revenue this year because of a lack of use. The allotted budget for the shooting range is about $340,000.
"We are getting more and more interest from other communities wanting to utilize the facility," said Neely. "By next season, we hope to have an agreement with surrounding towns who will be able to work the costs into their own municipal budgets."
Even with the lack of revenue this year, Neely said that the facility remains right on target with its financial projections.
"We purchased this for $1.4 million and could easily turn around and sell it for $4 million today," added Neely. "But a quick profit is not our goal here, but rather long-term benefits."

