Tonight the Council finally took the last steps needed to put the FY 2010 budget in place. Since we already approved the amendments put forth earlier this month, we had only two options – to either adopt the budget or vote it down. There were no other options. Following the roll call the budget was adopted 4-3. Although I would have preferred unanimous support of the budget, I am still pleased with tonight’s outcome.
We were 8 months into SFY 2010 without an adopted budget. Delaying a vote to adopt the budget would have resulted in less savings for taxpayers and would have put us closer to the originally proposed 9.6% tax increase instead of the now 7.5% tax increase. While a 7.5% tax increase is nothing to brag about, it is certainly an improvement. More importantly, it sets the stage for greater savings next year. Now that the SFY 2010 budget is adopted, we can move forward and begin planning for SFY 2011.
As has been stated several times before, this has not been an easy process – but this is what true leadership is about – examining the details, separating necessities from desires, and making tough decisions. I commend the Council for working so diligently on this budget and being willing to make decisions that may not be politically expedient but that are the right thing to do for our taxpayers and residents.
The adopted budget will not be detrimental to the operation of the City. Rather, it will force us all to live within our means and be more creative and efficient in our operations. Plainfield’s finest will be able to continue to serve and protect, Public Works will continue to plow our streets, and the Recreation Department will continue to serve our kids and will not need to cut a single program. This budget may not be ideal but our taxpayers cannot afford a nearly 10% tax increase. As has become our motto, we must all share in the pain.
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13 comments:
Councilwoman Mcwilliams, Keep your head up. You are doing the right thing. You make us proud.
Councilwoman Mcwilliams, Keep your head up. You are doing the right thing. You make us proud.
Councilwoman McWilliams,
You were grace under pressure. I appreciate your logic and steadfastness to the issue. I sleep better knowing that our city is in such good hands. Thank you.
Great work on the passing of the budget. There is much work needed to educate the people who voted no. They may want to help the little guy, but their method was wrong. Only showing unity will help our city. I will pray for you and the entire council.
. Kudos to you, Councilwoman McWilliams. You have made me proud yet again. Stand by your Guns and Good intentions, they do not go unnoticed, as I have said to you this past week I will support you during these trying times. I am Proud that you are here to help our City get back on track.
I cannot keep on affording this 10% increases that the Council and Mayor keep pushing on us.
Next it will be the PMUA. Then it will be the schools. How can we keep on paying these increases? Someone has to stop this.
When will you stop spending money we do not have? When will you be satisfied? When?
Thank you for your hard work but a 8% increase is excessive. What happened to the 4% cap? Why doesn't anyone on council strive for a 2% increase which is equal to COLA?
What services are we getting for all of these increases? Don't forget we pay the PMUA between $750 - $2000 per year for their "services". When will someone on council say enough is enough?
Instead of voting on some increased fees, these were just tabled. If you do a 1 or 2 % increase most people will find it acceptable. The notion previously to increase some fees ridiculously high because it hasn't been done in years shows the incompetence of the administration.
On another note...KEEP YOUR HEAD HIGH - your hard work doesn't go unnoticed. It's appreciated.
Hope that the 2011 budget has Bilingual daycare in the hands of a non-proft, and not on the city books. This goes for all other social services as well.
Ohhh thank you. An 8% increase. I am so happy. Please Councilwoman, please keep praising yourself for handing out 8% tax increases.
Oh..I forget..It was going to be 30%.
I too will try to be grace..only with me it will be grace under foreclosure.
A challenge for you and your colleagues.
SUMMIT — Skyrocketing property taxes are driving residents out of Summit — and out of the state — according to Common Council Finance Chairman Richard Madden.
Madden challenged every member of Common Council to reach consensus on a zero — or, at most, a 2% — property tax increase for 2010. After being polled, Council agreed to strive for a 2% property tax increase.
See full article at: www.nj.com/union
Council President, I hope that at the March Council meeting we will be hearing about how the 2011 budget is progressing.
Let's not repeat this.
Also, 11:37am makes a good point about the 4% cap. Can someone explain how there is a 4% cap, but our taxes are almost double that?
You, the Citizen of the Queen City. Please lets afford our great City Council the opportunity to get the City Finances back on track. You all complain about the increases in the Cities budget but all I see at the Council meeting are a meager few that just set there without a word spoken. If your so concern about the property Tax increase then make it your business to be there at the council meeting to voice you opinion. believe me they are there to listen your concerns. The more property owners at these meeting the better for us to have a voice. remember the City Council work for us so they have no other choice but to listen to our concerns.
well stated anon @ 12:35. If everyone went to at least two meetings a year, we would have a council who got the whole picture. They would be able to hold this administration accountable.
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