Lambertville has a $1 million surplus that could cut taxes for residents.
By: Linda Seida
LAMBERTVILLE There’s still time for the public to comment on the proposed $3.7 million budget introduced by the City Council last week.
There were few people at that meeting March 9.
The budget boasts a million-dollar surplus and provides a tiny cut in taxes for municipal services for the average property owner.
There are no cuts planned for municipal services. Also, no layoffs are planned for city employees. Instead, employees can look forward to a 4 percent raise, Mayor David Del Vecchio said.
The budget also includes funds for capital improvements. Among these improvements are $25,000 for police equipment, $400,000 for road improvements, $100,000 for Public Works equipment and $150,000 for the renovation of City Hall.
With only the media present, the council meeting presented a marked contrast in the amount of public interest compared to other recent issues.
The number of people who have shown up at official meetings in recent weeks has been between 50 and 100. At least 50 attended a council meeting Feb. 21 to learn about a new ordinance to curb boardinghouse-style rental units.
At least twice that number showed up Feb. 18 to learn about a string of burglaries and attempted burglaries on Clinton Street. Those crimes remain unsolved.
Residents may comment on the budget at a public hearing to be held during a council meeting April 6 at 7 p.m. The council could vote to approve the budget that evening.
If the council passes the proposed budget without any major changes, the owner of a property assessed at the city average of $330,775 would pay $575.55 per year for municipal services.
Last year, the owner of a home assessed at the average of $290,525 paid $578.15 per year for the same services. The difference represents a decrease of $2.60 per year.
The average homeowner’s municipal tax bill would break down to $47.96 per month. Council members said the monthly tax bill would be lower than most people’s monthly cable television bill.
The proposed tax levy, which is the amount in the budget raised by taxes, is $1,125,573. The tax levy in 2005 was $1,127,484.
The proposed tax rate would be 17.4 cents per every $100 of assessed valuation. In 2005, the tax rate was 19.9 cents per every $100 of assessed valuation.
One of the largest expenses is attributed to the Police Department with salaries of $784,063 and other expenses of $67,268. In 2005, the department’s salaries and wages totaled $765,363 with other expenses of $65,238.
Employee pensions would total more than $54,000. Debt payment and interest would total about $80,000.
Salaries and wages for four council members and the mayor would add up to $5,996, the same as they were in 2005. However, for more than a decade, Mayor Del Vecchio has opted not to collect his salary.
Salaries and wages for the Public Works Department would total $206,160 with additional expenses of $34,263. In 2005, the department’s salaries and wages would total $$197,000 with additional expenses of $30,000.
Salaries and wages for the office of the tax collector would be $36,281 with additional expenses of $9,375. In 2005, salaries and wages totaled $34,886 with additional expenses of $8,000.
Salaries and wages for the Municipal Court would be $72,534 with other expenses of $19,000. In 2005, salaries and wages totaled $68,169 with other expenses of $16,100.
Revenue includes $250,000 in municipal aid from the state, which was awarded last year but applied to this year’s budget. Revenue also includes an anticipated $98,662 from the hotel tax, compared to $69,582 in 2005, and $175,000 from investments.