OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Joseph M. DiBella
www.MayorDiBella.com
(732)
938-4500, Ext. 2102
June 10, 2007 – President Reagan once said, “in levying taxes, as in shearing sheep, it’s best to stop when you get to the skin.” Well, as it relates to taxes in Howell Township, I believe it’s safe to say we have hit the skin and are down to the bone. For the past six months, the Township Council has been deliberating – or listening actually – about the proposed 2007 municipal budget. With continued reductions in State aid (on a proportionate basis), un-funded mandates, increases in school and county taxes, the re-evaluation and a stalemate in Trenton for meaningful property tax reform, I say enough is enough.
Earlier this month, I voted against introducing the 2007 budget. I felt I owed the people of our community an explanation as to why. First, the business of government is at times political. However, be assured that my reasons for voting against the budget are anything but. As it relates to taxes and spending, my position is philosophical, not political. My position is based in a deep seeded belief in fiscal conservatism and restraint and that less government is always better. I also believe that the current climate is such that we must take extraordinary measures to curtail spending and re-commit ourselves to reducing the size and cost of government.
Shortly after I took office as Mayor in 2005 we took significant measures to introduce spending reductions. We reduced the size of the municipal workforce, slashed overtime, eliminated duplicate services and subcontracted other functions in partnership with private enterprise. While there were special interest objections and the decisions we’re not easy, we implemented these changes and they worked. In doing so we demonstrated that fiscal conservatism when combined with creativity and determination can work in government. It’s time once again to apply such creativity and determination to our municipal finances.
The budget calls for adding four new employees. More jobs added to the payroll inflates our short and long term burdens for paying salaries, health insurance, pension and retirement expenses. We simply cannot afford these additional positions at this time. Moreover, while there have been sharp reductions in certain sections of the budget, they do no go far enough. We need to make more significant cuts in certain operating expenses, just like we all do in our personal budgets when times are tough. Also, certain capital expenses should be placed on hold rather than increasing our bond debt. Finally, the majority’s unwillingness to rein in dramatic increases in overtime is unacceptable and will have short and long range implications to the tax payers. While I have other more specific objections, these represent the most significant areas of concern.
Back in January I asked the Council to introduce a hiring freeze and to hold the line at 2006 levels of spending. Unfortunately, my requests were ignored. Throughout the course of our various budget hearings, I have suggested various reductions and cuts – some of which the Council agreed with – others which they have not. For the most part, there has been little real debate over this $44.8 million dollar budget. As a result I am appealing to you – the people who pay the bills in this community – to have your voices heard before its too late. Perhaps with your help we can force a more meaningful discussion on the budget that will result in substantive reductions.
A budget is a reflection of priorities. While certain items in this budget are good for the community we have to vote for it in total, and not piece by piece. So when examining the budget in totality, I am unable to support it. Right now, our only priority must be protecting the financial solvency of Howell taxpayers. This budget increases spending, increases our debt and in the end, will costs taxpayers more than they can afford. Simply put, what we’re experiencing is not “the winds of change.” These are the same old “tax and spend” techniques that siphon more hard earned money out of the wallets of working families and seniors on fixed incomes. It’s just not right.
I shall continue to raise my objections right up until the final vote on June 26th at town hall; in spite of the objections by some of my colleagues who think my concern over items that cost as little as $100 of your money is trivial. I also re-affirm my pledge to fight for reduced taxes and less government. Finally, I also long for the day when the rhetoric we hear in November during campaign season actually makes it way into town hall during budget meetings.
Please email your thoughts and ideas to me at MayorDiBella@twp.howell.nj.us.
Thank you in advance for your support and let me know of I can be of any
assistance to you.
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