Budget Hearing Held, Adoption Monday

A Wednesday, June 1 special meeting at borough hall served as a public hearing for the municipal budget, but no formal adoption was made. 

According to Mayor James Maley, state representatives were able to look at Collingswood's budget, but minor details still need to be worked out. Maley set a tentative meeting to formally adopt the budget this coming Monday, June 6.

"The state told us we cannot vote to adopt (our budget) yet, because a few other things have to be taken care of," said Maley Wednesday. "We may be able to vote on Monday."

The budget has already been introduced, and amended, bringing the borough's original average property tax increase from $150 per year to a $78 annual increase. However, $48 of the $72 in average savings will be eaten up by planned increases to water and sewer service.

Wednesday's meeting was attended by three members of the public, only one of which chose to speak during the public comments portion.

A Mrs. White, as she referred to herself, of Zane Avenue, voiced concern over the borough's decision to transfer surplus funds into the budget, including water and sewer funds, as well as a portion of money generated by parking fines.

Maley said the transfer will mean water and sewer rates will be raised. Water rates will increase $32 per year, and sewer rates will increase $16 per year.

"Yes, we've taken a portion of water and sewer surplus and used it for the municipal budget," responded Maley.

White suggested that instead of augmenting the budget, the funds should be used for their original purpose—water maintenance. 

"In a perfect world, yes," said Maley to her suggestion. "It's not underhanded in any way; (the public) is aware of what's happening. We take money from Peter to pay Paul all the time to keep us afloat, and to prevent raising taxes. It's how the municipal government system works."

White said on Wednesday she'd rather the taxes remain at their original $150 increase than see water and sewer rates increase.

Maley said he understood White's point of view, and the public comment portion was closed, with no other residents coming forward to speak.

Check back with Collingswood Patch for the latest information about Monday's tentatively scheduled budget adoption.