2011 MUNICIPAL BUDGET
I am proud to report to you that the 2011 Municipal Budget, as in introduced by the Township Council earlier this month, will have NO INCREASE for property taxpayers. This is good news, despite increase in pension and benefit costs and the records amount of snow clean up. I’m proud to have been the author of two budget amendments implemented in the 2010 budget that eliminated the proposed 3 million increase, resulting in no municipal tax increase in 2010. The introduced 2011 budget includes those amendments. The spending portion of the 2011 Introduced Township Budget is reflects a 0.76% increase over the 2010 Adopted Budget. The “Amount to be raised by Taxation” is $25,759,818.84 compared to the 2010 adopted budget of $25,917,621.82, a $157,802.98 decrease or a 0.61% decrease. The municipal tax rate for 2011 will be .5002 per $100.00 of assessed valuation. We understand these are difficult financial times for our residents. This is the second budget in a row the municipal government will not be raising taxes. I applaud our departments for doing more with less. We will continue to monitor the 2011 budget and look to find ways to reduce spending at the same time maximizing our revenues.
The 2011 introduced budget is available for public inspection at the township clerk’s office. website: www.berkeleytownship.org Residents with ideas to further reduce the budget may call 732-244-7400 ext 205 or e-mail me at: carmen@carmenamato.com.
Recycling Revenue:
Last summer, Ocean County began Single Stream Recycling in an effort to increase efficiencies. Single-stream recycling allows for all recyclable materials to be placed in one container curbside. I’m proud to report that due to our Township wide recycling efforts, we will be receiving a check from the Ocean County Board of Freeholders, in the amount of $28,446, as part of their Recycling Revenue Sharing Program. Our residents should be made aware that every ton recycled saves Berkeley Township $71 at the landfill, and earns us about $15 per ton from the County program. Since going Single Stream, recycling Tonnage County wide has increased 20 percent. The financial and environmental benefits that result from recycling should serve as incentive. As the need for recycled paper, plastic and glass increase worldwide, so will the revenue. Every load of recycling you put out for pick up decreases our landfill cost and increases the township’s recycling revenues. If you have any questions on recycling you can call the Township Recycling Coordinator at: 732-341-1022.
Congratulations to Berkeley Township 2011 Fire Prevention Poster Contest Winners honored at our March 22nd Council meeting. This year’s theme: “Smoke Alarms – A Sound You Can Live With”. I was privileged to have presented certificates to the winners on behalf of Congressman Jon Runyan. Winners: Division 1 - Kindergarten to 2nd Grade: Avery Westhoven, Jasmyn Valero and MacKenzie Hart. Division 2 - 3rd to 5th Grade: Chloe McLaughlin, Alyssa Gabriel and Gregory Leifert. Division 3 - 6th through 8th grade: Vincent Caruso, Ashley Caulder and O Anug. Division 4 and Division 7 – 9th through 12th grade: Jessica Caulder, Sarah Rossi, Angela Wang and Robert Rutledge, Malcolm Whitfield and Devon Washington.
Congratulations to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9503 Annual Recognition Award Winners: Citizen of the Year, Jerry Beer of the Berkeley Township Historical Society: Sheriff Officer of the Year: Daniel Charles Murphy, Posthumously, of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Dept.; Police Officer of the Year: Jason C. Marles, Posthumously, of the Ocean Gate Police Dept.; First Aider of the Year: Ronald Brown of Bayville First Aid Squad. Teachers of the Year include: Owen Bonner of Central Regional High School and Matthew Del Prete of Central Regional Middle School. Teacher Participation Appreciation Award: Kevin Buscio of Central Regional High School. Voice of Democracy Essay Winners: Melissa Pagnotta, Victoria Nash and Jeffrey Foca. Patriot’s Pen Essay Winners: Madison McIntyre, Bethany Harding and Rebecca Frandano.
Autism Speaks-It’s Time to listen
I want to bring specific attention to the Autism Awareness resolution passed by the Berkeley Council recognizing Saturday, April 2nd as Autism Awareness Day. In recognition of the worldwide movement on April 2nd, the ‘Autism Speaks’ website urges citizens to light up the world in blue as a great way to raise further awareness about autism and show support for the autism community. Participating in Light It up Blue is simple. On April 2nd, wear blue clothing, feature the Light It up Blue logo on your Facebook profile, or write a blog post about the event. One in every 110 American children – one in every 70 Boys, is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The Key to make sure these children reach their full potential in life is early detection and early intervention. From birth to at least 36 months of age, every child should be screened for developmental milestones during routine visits with their Pediatrician.
If parents have concerns about a child's development, they should raise them with their Pediatrician. The Pediatrician should refer the child to Early Intervention and a specialist for a developmental evaluation.
As a volunteer of the Ocean County Board of Health, I have learned the importance of early detection. The Ocean County Board of Health has one of the foremost Early Intervention programs in the State. As a supporter of the Autism community, I encourage all residents to do your part and Light it up Blue’ on April 2nd.
Sign the pledge to raise autism awareness: http://action.autismspeaks.org/share-blue