WEST WINDSOR: Proposed budget is up by 1.86 percent

By Charley Falkenburg, Staff Writer
   WEST WINDSOR — The Township Council touched upon the development and status of a projected $37 million budget for 2012, up 1.86 percent by approximately $409,000, at its Feb. 13 meeting.
   The budget is within the 2 percent property tax cap imposed by the state with exclusions for health care, pensions, debt service increases and ratables.
   Although taxes increased slightly, business administrator Robert Hary commended the township for cutting spending by $13,000 despite salary and wage increases. He said the main reason for the decrease in expenditures is due to employees paying more of a percentage toward health care and pensions.
   ”The best news is that this is the first time in 20 years that our spending is less than what we spent last year even though we are a growing community,” he said. “But there will have to be a small tax increase because even though spending is down, revenue is down even more.”
   The net loss in revenues is more than $400,000.
   Mr. Hary emphasized the importance of long-term financial planning — something the township has promoted since Mayor Shing-Fu Hsueh was elected into office. This has enabled the town to eliminate tax spikes for 10 years.
   ”Yes, there are tax increases, but they have been controlled so there have been no spikes,” said Mr. Hary. “It’s an appropriate and mature way to look at a budget and it puts us in a position where we won’t be in trouble in one given year — we’re always thinking about the long term impact.”
   However, with a capital budget less than $4 million for the second year in a row, Mr. Hary stressed the need to be cognizant of long term debt and necessities that still need to be purchased.
   He added that as the budget is planned, West Windsor should take into account the town is not near build out. “I really think this year all administrations and councils should think about build out and budget accordingly,” he said.
   Mr. Hary applauded the department heads for cutting back in expenses and that despite the economy, West Windsor continues to expand.
   ”West Windsor is unique,” he said. “We’re the fastest growing municipality in this region in commercial and residential growth, but we’re holding our expenses in check, which is difficult in a growing community.”
   The public will be able to see the 2012 budget for the first time at the Feb. 27 public council meeting when it is officially introduced. On March 2 the council will collaborate with the department heads.
   They are under state review this year, which requires the council to submit the introduction budget to the state. The council can wait no longer than April 16 for adoption.
   Councilwoman Linda Geevers expressed concern residents would not be able to have a public discussion before the formal introduction. She added this would be the first time in West Windsor citizens would not have that opportunity.
   Township attorney Michael Herbert stated that the local budget law requires an introduction first followed by a public hearing. Amendments are made, another public hearing occurs if needed which is followed by the final budget adoption.
   He was uncertain why West Windsor has not been following this process.
   Resident Alison Miller told the council they should make the public fully aware that the budget introduction is preliminary and explain what would be the process to amend the introduced budget. “It’s important for the council and public to understand the process,” she said.
   Resident John Church echoed Ms. Miller and said he would like to see the introduction delayed to have a public discussion first.
   Kamal Khanna, council president, emphasized that the council should stick to this time schedule.