SOUTH BRUNSWICK – Council agrees tough times still ahead

By Mary Brienza, Staff Writer
   Township Council members are expecting 2011 to be as tough as last year.
   ”2010 was a trying year,” Councilman Charles Carley said during the Jan. 5 reorganization meeting. “I (also) expect 2011 will be difficult.”
   The reorganization meeting is held each year to begin or renew many contracts for professional services for the municipality as well as make appointments to the various boards and commissions for the township.
   About 15 volunteers attended the meeting to be sworn in to their respective positions.Councilman Chris Killmurray, who was unanimously voted in for another term as Deputy Mayor at the meeting, commended the volunteers in the community that serve on those boards and said the township could not run without their help.
   During Mr. Killmurray’s election as deputy mayor, Councilman Joseph Camorata praised his sacrifice and dedication to the council.
   ”He has put South Brunswick before himself and his family,” Mr. Camorata said.
   During his own remarks on the coming year, Mr. Camorata said there are signs that the dismal economic conditions are improving and the town is seeing “a little bit of growth” with new businesses coming in.
   Mr. Camorata said, however, that he is concerned with what he believes is a “disconnect” with the state and the lack of funding to municipalities.
   ”The state continues to balance its budgets on the backs of the people, like in South Brunswick,” Mr. Camorata said. “It will be another tough year, but we are ready for it.”
   Mr. Camarota said the township is very diverse, and that residents should feel comfortable calling the members of the council with any concerns they have.
   Mr. Camorata also said the budget is the most important priority and township is obligated to provide the residents with services.
   ”We want to maintain that level of services,” Mr. Camorata said.
   Councilman John O’Sullivan said money will continue to be a concern in the New Year and the town must be careful how it spends what it has.
   ”The township has to be run efficiently and correctly,” Mr. O’Sullivan said. “We have to continue pursuing money from Trenton and put a stop to unfunded mandates.”
   The township is “working with numerous towns,” pursuing state grants, and working to get new businesses, Mr. O’Sullivan said.
   Mayor Frank Gambatese took the opportunity to talk about the accomplishments made by the council in 2010 despite the rough economic times.
   There were $1.3 million in various grants, and the township purchased 211 acres of open space in 2010, for a total of 5,000 acres of open space owned by the township, Mr. Gambatese said.
   That total represents 20 percent of the available land in the community that will never be developed, but remain open for residents to enjoy, Mr. Gambatese said.
   Mr. Gambatese said the town enjoys a very high tax collection rate.”Ninety-nine percent of residents pay taxes on time,” Mr. Gambatese said. “That is a fantastic number.”
   Despite the economy, the township also has a ratable value of $8 billion, second only to Edison in Middlesex County, according to Mr. Gambatese.