Mayor Proposes Capital Budget

Mayor David Stahl presented a $1.9 million capital project budget Monday that calls for the township to borrow $1.4 million.

Items in the budget include money for new township computers, a street sweeper and a new roof for the library and the senior center.

The spending plan includes $493,000 in other revenue, including $350,000 from FEMA to replace the library and senior center roofs; $27,000 from a recycling grant; and $20,000 from the parking utility to pay for a vehicle to be used by that department.

The Township Council decided not to officially introduce the budget, opting to wait for information on the plan. Several members said they didn’t have enough time to review the proposal and Councilman Jim Wendell said he wants to be given a spreadsheet outlining the spending items.

For now, the plan will be introduced March 12 and be reviewed by the Planning Board on March 14. A public hearing is scheduled for March 26.

Mayor Stahl said that, while the plan calls for borrowing approximately $1.4 million, the township expects to retire more than $2 million in debt this year. He also said the plan is the smallest in 15 years.

“One of the reasons that I took a very conservative approach with respect to the capital budget this year was, one, my own personal feelings about where we are and, two, taking in the concerns voiced during different council meetings with respect to the amount of overall debt that the township has. We still have a very low amount of debt, but I’ve taken into consideration the council’s wishes when I present this to you.”

The mayor said this year’s capital budget includes responsible requests and gives township employees the tools they need to get their job done.

“I’ve requested a small amount for the replacement of computers. The desktops in particular are quite old and this is just to start funding a replacement program, just like we do with the truck fleets,” he said.

Included in the budget are several trucks, including ones used for snow removal, a street sweeper, a stump and root grinder and $500,000 to continue township road repair programs. Mayor Stahl said he usually requests about $1 million for the road program. However, after Republican members of the council balked at the price tag last year, he decided to lower his request this year.

“These purchases I’m seeking are to make sure employees have equipment to do the work when necessary,” said the mayor.

In addition, the cost for the new roofs at the senior center and library will be partially offset by $350,000 in FEMA money. Both roofs were damaged during Hurricane Irene. The mayor also is seeking a new heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system for the senior center and a generator, should the power go out. In August, the senior center was used as a shelter during Hurricane Irene and having a generator at the site seemed to make sense, he said.