By dave goldberg
Staff Writer
David Spaulding
NORTH BRUNSWICK — Although the Township Council is in favor of retaining certain items in the proposed 2004 capital budget, that does not mean those expenditures are permanent.
"The capital budget is a six-year plan of capital expenditures," said Chief Financial Officer Gerald Seneski. "During the first year of the capital budget, the council decides on the items they would like included in the program. Between years two and six, there are planned expenses that will show what the council intends to do with the money."
The township introduced a capital budget Monday night that allots $8 million for a new library. The budget was introduced for public comment and will be voted on by the council at its Sept. 3 meeting. The funds are scheduled to be included in the fiscal year 2004 budget.
Mayor David Spaulding said that, to his knowledge, the capital budget plan is new to the township.
"Last year was the first time that we adopted a capital budget," Spaulding said. "This is only the second time that I am aware of this being used. It gives people a sense of what we want to do. This budget addresses a number of things. We have made a commitment to fixing up the parks and to continue the road program. It also includes certain equipment purchases and a projection of $8 million for the library. It is such an effective tool that allows us to look ahead. It is a long-term plan."
The council included the line item for the library because it is considering building a new one. The library may only cost the township $6 million if the library board is able to get a $2 million grant from the state, according to Seneski.
The council is also hoping to keep two other items in the capital budget.
"We are planning to spend $1.8 million each year on improvements to parks and playgrounds," Seneski said. "We are also planning to spend $1.8 million each year for improvements to various roads in the township. Each item will cost over $10 million [once the projects are complete.] The capital budget is an advantage for the public because it gives them much more time to know what is happening with the money."
Seneski said that nothing is final on what will be used in the capital budget.
"If next year’s council does not want a library in the capital budget program, they could remove it," Seneski said. "When the capital budget is created, it only means that we plan, it does not mean that there is a definite use. This council is projecting $1.8 million for road improvements in the plan. If the attitude changes or people on the council change, the money used could change. It could be lowered or raised. The new council may decide that it wants a library on a lower scale."
Spaulding said he would not expect any new council member or mayor to agree with the items.
"I do not think that I would expect someone to do something that we have done," Spaulding said. "This year’s capital budget shows an effective management plan. We are looking down the road. It is their right (a new council’s) to make a change if they think it is necessary. We could change our minds. At this point, this is our best estimate. For the time being, I don’t see a better choice."
The library board of trustees is in the process of selecting an architectural firm to identify a site and appropriate a design for a library that would suit the needs of the residents. Currently the trustees are looking for expanded shelving, additional community space, and increased technology for the facility.
"This is something that the library board wants to do," said Seneski. "They may have the opportunity for a $2 million state grant."
Spaulding also believes the capital budget gives residents an advantage.
"It gives people a sense of what the priorities are in the township," he said. "People will know when we are planning to fix their roads because it will all be outlined. They are welcome to look at the plan if they have any questions. We are responding to all the problems on the roads through this plan. It was easiest to implement a long-term plan to take care of all the needs of the community."
Spaulding said that the items in the capital budget are works in progress toward the improvement of the township.
"This planned allocation of funds shows the commitment of our governing body for a new library to better serve our residents," said Spaulding. "I look forward to their formal endorsement of this plan at our Sept. 3 meeting."