By ROBERT LINNEHAN
Despite difficulties from the state and rising costs, Township Manager Tom Czerniecki is preparing to present a budget to council tonight that is $500,000 less than last years.
Czerniecki will present his proposed budget tonight at the regularly scheduled council meeting at the municipal complex at 6:30 p.m.
As revenues drop for this year, several costs are increasing as well. The township had to spend $250,000 more this year than it did on snow removal last season, he said, and without FEMA aid. Police and employee pension costs in the township are rising by $300,000 this year, he said, as health benefit costs are increasing by $45,000.
The township’s reserve for uncollected taxes is increasing by $200,000 and based on fuel costs trends the township will probably pay $50,000 more in fuel costs this year, Czerniecki said.
Despite the dropping revenues and increased costs, Czerniecki said he is recommending a budget to members of council that is $500,000 less than last years. Czerniecki said he is recommending a budget for $32,455,000.
Czerniecki said he will not reveal his proposed tax rate until the meeting.
Also on the agenda are commendations for Eagle Scout Anthony Rossi of Troop 49.
During the work session, Czerniecki will also brief members of council on the township’s road and sidewalk improvement program and a grant application for open space funding.
The grant application will be made to the county for the Evesboro-Downs park irrigation project and other miscellaneous park improvements.
To view the meeting’s complete agenda visit the township’s Web site at www.twp.evesham.nj.us/.
