County Budget Vote Tabled by ‘Procedural Amendment’

COURT HOUSE – The 2014 budget was not approved at the board of chosen Freeholders’ regular meeting March 11 because of a procedural amendment required by the state. There will be a vote at the next meeting, March 25. However, the board did approve a resolution to amend the approved 2014 county budget as per state requirement. There will be a public hearing on that resolution March 25. Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton made clear that the budget “does not change the tax rate, it changes the appropriation.”
The Freeholders also passed a resolution that condemned the decision of the New Jersey Pinelands Commission rejecting “a proposal to allow the construction of a natural gas pipeline.”
Meow Madness
Freeholder Leonard Desiderio promoted the County Animal Shelter’s “Meow Madness” event that runs from March 7 – April 7. There are special adoption fees, ranging from $4 – $16, during that time, for felines from kittens to seniors. For more details contact the shelter at 465-8923.
Freeholder Marie Hayes announced a joint venture between the county and Atlantic Cape Community College to teach “conversational French” to make “our neighbors from the north “the French speaking Quebecois feel more welcome. The course is free and the dates at the ACCC campus on Court House Road are April 4, 11, 18 and 25. There will also be instruction at the Wildwood Convention Center April 4, 11 and 25. For more details contact the school at 463-4507.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones)
Freeholder Will Morey reported on his drive to make Cape May County Airport the Drone Center of the region. He said he has been working on “acquiring unmanned aerial systems for Cape May County Airport.’ Unmanned Aerial Systems (also known as drones) are used for commercial interests as well as law enforcement; the NSA and military entities also use drones. A rural, less busy airport is preferred as a site for operating such systems. Privacy advocates have raised some concerned about the pilotless planes but Morey was undeterred. “Cape May County will get to take a serious look into if this would be a benefit,” Morey said.
Thornton echoed his enthusiasm saying, “Our airport is perfect for that – unmanned flights.”
Thornton also expressed his delight at the March 10 meeting with Representatives Frank LoBiondo (R–2nd) and Chris Smith (R-4th) to mitigate the damages of the Biggert-Waters Act of 2012.
Senior of the Year
Freeholder Kristine Gabor announced that the county is looking for nominees for male and female ‘Senior of the Year.’ The deadline for nominating your favorite senior citizen is April 18. Contact Donna Groome at the Department of Aging and Disability Services for an application. Call 886-2784.
To contact Helen McCaffrey, email hmccaffrey@cmcherald.com.