Budget 4/1/04
The Hazlet Township Committee introduced the municipal budget for 2004. As usual and expected, the budget’s introduction sparked immediate questions and debate. However, this year’s budget revealed some unexpected facts and unusual creativity.
Committeeman Michael Christopher was the only voice of dissent during the adoption of this preliminary budget. He had a good reason. Mr. Christopher stated that he had just recently received a copy of the proposed budget. Noting that he needed more time to scrutinize the details, Mr. Christopher expressed his concern that the budget reflected a $725,000 revenue increase from the proposed sale of township-owned property.
Mr. Christopher went on to explain that, as unbelievable as this sounds, Hazlet owns approximately 14 acres of undeveloped land that is technically in Holmdel, on Hazlet’s border. The township committee is attempting to sell this land and use the revenue to provide property tax relief for its own citizens. The legal fees involved with changing Hazlet’s borders to include this property would exceed the value of the land.
Mr. Coughlin expressed the township’s interest in preserving the natural condition of this land. An endangered raptor has been spotted in that area. The reports of these sightings have prompted thoughts of conservation, rather than development. Mayor Coughlin later explained that Hazlet does not intend to sell this land to developers.
In the interest of protecting this community asset, the township has approached the open space commissions of Holmdel and Monmouth County, and at least one environmental group.
The republican majority focused their last two campaigns on limiting municipal tax growth through responsible management of township resources. They are working to follow through on their pledge by preserving open space without additional taxation to the residents.
Mayor Coughlin further explained that some of the increases in the budget expenses like pension payouts and health insurance, are unavoidable. The mayor and township committee are taking steps to minimize these costs for future budgets by restructuring payments and by continuing to research less expensive insurance options.
Hazlet has also applied for $400,000 of extraordinary state aid. If the state approves Hazlet’s application, as the budget stands now, the property tax increase would be only .9 cents. Last year, the state offered Hazlet only $25,000 in extraordinary aid.
Governor McGreevey has promised to provide more aid to municipalities, but New Jersey has many communities that need help maintaining their quality of life.
This budget is by no means final. Each member of the township committee has expressed concern about the increase. They are also searching for ways to stabilize the municipal tax rate for future administrations.
The township committee is applying determined accountability and creativity to solving Hazlet’s problems. Most refreshing is each member’s enthusiasm for explaining their ideas and listening to the ideas of others.
A public hearing on this budget is scheduled for April 19, 2004 at 8:00 pm, in the municipal building, 319 Middle Road.
Committeeman Michael Christopher was the only voice of dissent during the adoption of this preliminary budget. He had a good reason. Mr. Christopher stated that he had just recently received a copy of the proposed budget. Noting that he needed more time to scrutinize the details, Mr. Christopher expressed his concern that the budget reflected a $725,000 revenue increase from the proposed sale of township-owned property.
Mr. Christopher went on to explain that, as unbelievable as this sounds, Hazlet owns approximately 14 acres of undeveloped land that is technically in Holmdel, on Hazlet’s border. The township committee is attempting to sell this land and use the revenue to provide property tax relief for its own citizens. The legal fees involved with changing Hazlet’s borders to include this property would exceed the value of the land.
Mr. Coughlin expressed the township’s interest in preserving the natural condition of this land. An endangered raptor has been spotted in that area. The reports of these sightings have prompted thoughts of conservation, rather than development. Mayor Coughlin later explained that Hazlet does not intend to sell this land to developers.
In the interest of protecting this community asset, the township has approached the open space commissions of Holmdel and Monmouth County, and at least one environmental group.
The republican majority focused their last two campaigns on limiting municipal tax growth through responsible management of township resources. They are working to follow through on their pledge by preserving open space without additional taxation to the residents.
Mayor Coughlin further explained that some of the increases in the budget expenses like pension payouts and health insurance, are unavoidable. The mayor and township committee are taking steps to minimize these costs for future budgets by restructuring payments and by continuing to research less expensive insurance options.
Hazlet has also applied for $400,000 of extraordinary state aid. If the state approves Hazlet’s application, as the budget stands now, the property tax increase would be only .9 cents. Last year, the state offered Hazlet only $25,000 in extraordinary aid.
Governor McGreevey has promised to provide more aid to municipalities, but New Jersey has many communities that need help maintaining their quality of life.
This budget is by no means final. Each member of the township committee has expressed concern about the increase. They are also searching for ways to stabilize the municipal tax rate for future administrations.
The township committee is applying determined accountability and creativity to solving Hazlet’s problems. Most refreshing is each member’s enthusiasm for explaining their ideas and listening to the ideas of others.
A public hearing on this budget is scheduled for April 19, 2004 at 8:00 pm, in the municipal building, 319 Middle Road.
posted by Rich Kohler at 7:49 AM
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