The 2001 Municipal Budget resulted in a two point increase in the municipal portion of tax rate. This modest increase was the result of continued careful budgeting on the part of staff and the Township Council and, savings derived from Senate Bill No.1961, adopted in March 2001, which reduced the Police Fire Retirement System contribution required to be made by local governments for 2001. A home assessed at $200,000 will pay $42 more in 2001 for municipal services.
Salaries and wages are up 1.2 million dollars or 5.3%. Police and fire salary increases account for 71% of the total increase in salaries and wages.
Other expenses are up $361,385 or 3.62%. Three significant items account for that increase, group health insurance premiums, legal fees and additional funding for sewer maintenance/repairs in the Public Works budget. The anticipated increase in the Bergen County Utility Authority fee was eliminated when the final bill was received. We again hope that budget operations will return at least $3,080,000 back to fund balance by the end of 2001 for use in the year 2002 budget.
Capital Improvements planned for 2001 are shown in Schedule D. Another half million dollar resurfacing program has been included in our continuing effort to recover from the devastating winters of 1994 and 1996. Funds have been included to replace a second Fire Pumper Truck in the Teaneck Fire Department as well as installation of new diesel exhaust systems in Fire Station No.2, Fire Station No.3 and Fire Station No.4. An upgrade and expansion is planned for Fire Headquarters which includes a new diesel exhaust system for this building. The Police Department will complete the purchase of a radar trailer/message board, a new 4-wheel drive vehicle, and an upgrade to the 911 telephone system with funds provided in the 2001 Capital Budget. Park improvements include ball field/drainage upgrades, bleachers, and installation of a new playground structure in Phelps Park, installation of a new walking path in Tryon Park along with bleachers and resurfacing of the basketball courts in Votee Park. The West Englewood Avenue Tunnel and the Windsor Road Pedestrian Overpass will both benefit from new lights and other upgrades.
The four million dollar loan for the Richard Rodda Community Center addition was reduced to $3,544,000 and refinanced in 2001 at 3.10%, a reduction from the previous interest rate of 4.39%.
Our annual contribution to the State administered police and fire retirement system decreased by $1,090,709 from $2,177,654 to $1,086,945, partly as a result of the previously noted legislation for the year 2001. Acceleration of payments for deferred charges to future taxation and Social Security was budgeted for in the Deferred and Statutory portion of the municipal budget.
The long awaited bidding for the construction of a new public works facility should take place in 2001. This is the final step in an upgrade plan which included the new Police Headquarters and the award winning addition to the Richard Rodda Community Center. Additional upgrading or replacement of our remaining public buildings, including Fire Headquarters and the Municipal Building, are in the planning/review stages. Teaneck has the bonding capability to meet the challenge for funding these improvements.
On a final note, 2001 marks the retirement of Municipal Manager Gary A. Saage on May 31 , 2001 and my appointment as Teaneck Township's sixth Municipal Manager on June 1, 2001. Mr. Saage has faithfully and professionally served the Township of Teaneck, and its residents, for thirty-four and one-half years, the last ten as its Manager. We wish Mr. Saage, his wife, and his family many years of health and happiness.
Please do not hesitate to call me at 837-4807, e-mail me at admin@teanecknjgov.org. or stop to see me at the Municipal Building if you need further explanation regarding the 2001 Municipal Budget or on any other Township matter.
Helene V. Fall
Municipal Manager