Borough Foresees No Local Tax Hike

WOODBINE – Borough Council discussed the 2014 budget, Open Space grants, and streamlining garbage and recycling pickup at its Feb. 20 meeting. Council member Mary Helen Perez, chair of the Revenue and Finance Committee, reported, “The 2014 budget is being finalized, and will be presented at the next meeting with no tax increase.”
When asked about the budget, Mayor William Pikolycky said he is “proud of the fact that 2014 will be the 24th consecutive year that Woodbine residents will not face a local purpose tax increase.” Pikolycky credited responsible budgeting, an increased tax collection rate, shared service agreements, and grants for the fiscal stability of the borough.
Despite a loss in ratables of approximately $1.5 million, the municipal tax rate will remain at 23.6 cents per $100 of assessed value, ($236 per $100,000 of assessed value) due to the fact that the borough’s tax collection rate has increased to 97.3 percent. The budget will be introduced at the March 6 council meeting.
Council reported that Cape May County freeholders approved a $484,000 Open Space grant to fund the borough’s proposed “eco-park” at the school and county library branch. Although no objections were voiced at the Feb. 11 freeholder meeting, the public comment period will last for 45 days. After the comment period is closed, the freeholder board will be able to move forward with the grant. The borough will take on initial funding for the project, with the county to reimburse upon completion.
Council also announced a new single-stream garbage and recycling plan, designed to simplify pickup days for residents, while saving money.
Woodbine currently has garbage pickup Mondays, and recycling pickup Thursdays. The new plan, which will take effect March 1, will synchronize garbage and recycling pickup on Thursdays. “By making both pickups at the same time, the borough saves money, as well as alleviating the hassle for residents of having to drag theirs cans to the road several times per week,” Pikolycky said. Blue Diamond Disposal, of Mount Arlington was awarded the contract.
To contact Don Tozer, email dtozer@cmcherald.com.