Township Committee To Introduce Budget Wednesday

Amid a swirl of activity surrounding the school district’s proposed budget, the Township Committee is expected to introduce the 2011 municipal budget at its workshop meeting Wednesday, according to the preliminary agenda.

The meeting is slated for 7:00 p.m. at town hall, 2700 Allaire Ave.

While the budget will be introduced Wednesday, the committee plans no formal presentation, said Committeeman Clinton Hoffman. 

The introduction is the initial step of the budgeting process, which also will include a formal presentation and, likely in early May, a vote, Hoffman said.

Without citing specific numbers, Hoffman said the committee held the line on municipal salary and wages, kept health care costs flat and reduced operating expenses.

“Everything we control is lower,’’ he said.

But, he said, pension costs continue to rise – at around $650,000 - and the town continued to lose ratables last year – about $250,000, he said.