Lower Manager Projects Tax Hike; Police Staffing Cited for Increase

VILLAS – More spending for additional police and a 7.6-percent increase in health insurance costs for township employees explains the 2015 budget proposal that calls for an increase in the local purpose (real estate) tax, according to Township Manager James Ridgway.
He and Michael Garcia of the accounting firm Ford-Scott Associates presented a summary of Fiscal Year 2015 projected revenues and appropriations at the Feb.18 Lower Township Council meeting. This presentation fulfilled the state requirement to release a budget proposal by March 13.
According to Ridgway, this budget meets the state-mandated cap that limits municipalities to a 3.5 percent increase in spending and a 2.5 percent overall tax increase cap. This budget proposes a $955,701 (4.96 percent) increase in local purpose taxes for the township.
He noted that part of the current township surplus of just over $4 million will be used to offset some spending increases; the township would draw approximately $1.8 million from that surplus for use in the 2015 budget.
Increased Police Staff
Ridgway explained the township is committed to increasing police staffing to 46 officers by summer, which includes those just graduating from Police Academy and one more projected to begin the Academy soon.
Mayor Michael Beck asked if his calculations include two officers set to retire this summer. Ridgway responded that this 46 officer goal would be met and noted that a school resource officer contract will not be renewed by the school district, which will free up this officer to return to normal township patrol duties as well.
In summary, the township proposes to spend an additional $280,056 in 2015 as compared to 2014, while raising taxes and using some surplus funds to balance the budget.
Salary Hikes
Salaries are projected to increase by 3.4 percent, while state and federal grant income will decline by 46.69 percent. Debt service to pay principle and interest on bonds will decrease by 3.89 percent.
The tax rate will increase to 56.1 cents per $100 of assessed value from 53.6 cents per $100 of assessed value in 2014. Total ratables in the township increased by $6.65 million, or .018 percent.
Beck took notice of the 98.32 percent tax collection rate that the township attained last year and wondered if that extraordinarily high success rate would continue. He acknowledged that increasing the police department to 46 members would cost money and he supports this expenditure, but promised “I will have a lot more to say later on” about the budget in general.
The mayor added that “half the population lives paycheck to paycheck and we must have our eye on that” as the budget process continues.
Doubts 2.5% Tax Hike
Councilman Thomas Conrad commented that he “personally doubts that we will see a 2.5 percent tax increase.” Councilman David Perry stated that he believes shared services will lead to more savings.
Deputy Mayor Norris Clark echoed the hope that shared services can lead to savings. He observed that last year’s budget benefitted from corporate and other donations, including the Friends of Lower Township who raised $30,000 for fireworks.
Ridgway and Garcia stressed that those figures represent only a starting point for discussions. Ridgway stated “this is a working document and council can make changes.”
Garcia added that “this is just the beginning of the (budget) process… you are not locking yourself into anything.”
A public hearing will be conducted April 20 at 6 p.m. at Township Hall, 2600 Bayshore Road, Villas to allow residents to learn details and provide input and commentary to the proposed budget.
Residents can find a copy of the Township Manager’s presentation on the Lower Township website via the Township Manager tab.
FEMA Map Meeting for Bayshore Residents
Clark reminded everyone that a meeting with FEMA officials will be held Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. at town hall. This meeting includes FEMA officials who will present the latest maps and “V” zone designations as they currently exist based on the experiences with Hurricane Sandy.
There will also be flood insurance experts on hand to advise residents of their options should they be designated in flood risk areas. He spoke about enlisting the assistance of Sen. Jeffrey Van Drew (D-1st) in this issue.
Clark informed everyone there will be no “Sandy” money coming to the area because the shore protection situation is limited to environmental issues, and not as a direct result of storm damage from Sandy.
Meeting Time Change Proposal
Conrad suggested council consider changing the meeting time from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. He explained that constituents have complained to him that it is difficult to attend meetings after working until 5 p.m. or later.
All agreed that they will try to accommodate the people as best they can and Clark suggested that the Facebook page ask residents if they prefer a later start time for council meetings. This unofficial survey will be conducted within a week or two.
To contact Jim McCarty, email jmccarty@cmcherald.com.