Budget Meeting Minutes 2/12/13

The 2/12/13 Budget Meeting Minutes were approved and released at the February 26, 2013 Regular Mullica Committee Meeting. Below is a copy of the minutes posted on the www.mullicatownship.org website.
                                                                    BUDGET MEETING
                                                                    FEBRUARY 12, 2013
                                                                             6:00 P.M.

Mayor Brown called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.read the following statement led the flag salute

NOTICE OF THIS MEETING WAS GIVEN BY NOTICE PUBLISHED IN THE ATLANTIC CITY PRESS, EGG HARBOR/HAMMONTON NEWS ON JANUARY 30, 2013, AND POSTED AT TOWN HALL
ROLL CALL:
Committee Present:  Anthony Gabris, Edward Hagaman, Barbara Rheault, Larry Riffle, Mayor  
                                    Brown
Municipal Clerk:  Kimberly Johnson
CFO:  Dawn Stollenwerk
Police Department:  Chief John Thompson, Cpl. Ryan Hutton
Superintendent Public Works:  Matt Ayers

Budget Presentation:  Mayor referenced the memorandum received by the Municipal Court requesting the part-time position become a full-time position.  Mayor Brown stated we are currently struggling with a 3 cent increase.  Ms. Rheault questioned the hours of the part-time employee.  CFO reported the part-time position in the Municipal Court works 28 hours per week, noting 35 hours per week is considered full-time.  Mr. Gabris noted the part -time employee if made full time would not require health benefits.  CFO stated we are in the process of implementing E-ticketing, which will take a big burden off the Municipal Court.  Mayor suggested entertaining a third party to recoup the outstanding fines.  Committee consented to no staffing change in the Municipal Court.

CFO stated the increase is at 3 cents, noting this does not include the additional Officer requested by Chief Thompson.  Ms. Stollenwerk stated we need to introduce by March 12th and requested direction by Committee.  Chief Thompson stated his proposal is to reduce the requested two Class II Officers to one, add an additional full-time Officer, reduce budgeted overtime to $80,000, and requested one promotion in July.  Committee discussed at length the requested staffing in the Police Department, as well as , the new police vehicle.  Ms. Stollenwerk again expressed her concern with the tax collection rate and revenues, adding that we are not replenishing our fund balance.  Ms. Rheault asked if the staffing is a requirement by law or policy.  Chief Thompson stated it was a policy set by former Chief Pennese to have two Officers on, adding if our town was smaller geographically, the policy could change.  Ms Rheault asked how this new officer can offset overtime.  Cpl. Hutton stated during the probationary year the Chief has preference as to which shift the Officer is placed on. Mayor suggested discussing scheduling with the PBA, as well as, the salary of the new hire.  Mr. Hagaman made a motion to include the 13th officer in the 2013 municipal budget, seconded by Mr. Riffle.  RCV: Yeas: Mr. Gabris, Mr. Hagaman , Ms. Rheault, Mr. Riffle, Mayor Brown.  Mayor Brown expressed his concern with keeping the overtime at a minimum.

Committee discussed addressing foreclosures.  CFO noted this could be budgeted for in 2014, noting we have too many outstanding legal issues.  Mayor suggested information be posted on the website to educate our residents on the importance of paying their property taxes.

Public Discussion:  None.

Mayor closed the public portion and entertained a motion to adjourn; so moved by Ms. Rheault seconded by Mr. Hagaman.  RCV: Yeas:  All voted yes

Respectfully submitted,

Kimberly Johnson,
Municipal Clerk

http://mullicatownship.org/

(Disclaimer- The above document was released by the Township of Mullica.  The Gadfly cannot guarantee the accuracy of the content located in said document.)