February - March 2003 Edition

Taxes Going Up in 2003? By Chris Neidenberg Borough Council Democrats reorganizing Jan. 7 seemed pessimistic over the chances that the McGreevey Administration will be able to boost state aid to municipalities in 2003. They vowed to make every effort at seeking local economies as a result. The event offered no major changes as the party retains complete control of the governing body - at least through the end of the year - when three incumbent seats - held by Deputy Mayors Steve Weinstein and Martin Etler and Councilman Vic Amato, will stand for election to new four-year terms. Before a small audience, Mayor David L. Ganz, who earlier started the new year in his new role as Bergen County Freeholder, was seated to his fifth consecutive one-year term. Slight change came when Etler and Weinstein reversed deputy mayor roles, with Weinstein assuming the title of deputy mayor for community affairs and Etler moving into the deputy mayor position. Weinstein's new role tasks him with meeting constituents and constituent groups seeking help with various issues. In addition to grappling with weighty budget issues that could lead to another property tax increase in 2003, the council must find a permanent successor for former Borough Manager Barbara Sacks, who resigned in June, and faces the daunting task of revitalizing and rebuilding the area at the Radburn Plaza Building site. The location was severely damaged by an Oct. 1 fire that displaced some 30 businesses. The council has gotten Gov. James McGreevey to issue a declaration where displaced businesses desiring to return can secure low-interest (three percent) loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. Any such decisions are pending what the Plaza Building's owners, who have vowed to rebuild, ultimately decide to do. . As for the manager, Councilman Allan Caan reported that the borough was in the process of screening eight applicants after roughly 50 resumes were received last year. The council hopes to resolve this issue in the early part of 2003. Also, the borough is looking to resolve a major tax appeal case with Nabisco regarding the bakery giant's huge Route 208 North plant. An unfavorable outcome could significantly add to the tax burden. Local Rabbi Gary Listokin, head of Temple Beth Sholom, opened the proceedings by providing the elected officials some spiritual guidance during what could be a difficult year. Listokin asked God to ensure that these officials make their decisions showing a sense of "resolve," but only after much "reflection." Before an audience that included former deputy mayor and current Assemblyman Matt Ahearn and state Senator Joseph Coniglio (D-38) - but minus Republican Asemblywoman Rose Heck - Ganz blamed the nation's current economic troubles for requiring states and local jurisdictions to tighten their belts this year. "This marks the fourth time that I have reported to you on the State of the Borough, and I am pleased to be able to say that the state is good,"–the mayor claimed. "But we face significant challenges in 2003. "This has been a difficult year financially and next year will be harder still," Ganz continued. "The federal government has indicated that it will reduce aid to states, and municipalities. The state government, in turn, has suffered a severe revenue shortfall as a result of the national economic condition – the recession –and will not pass back the same level of aid to maintain municipal services as it has in the past." Yet the mayor asserted that evolving "government mandates," continue to strain municipal finances amid all the apparent economic gloom; requiring that localities continue hitting the taxpayers to finance such expenses. "Our mission in 2003 is to do more with less," said Ganz, assuring that revitalizing the Radburn Plaza Building site will be a top priority, "and this will be a substantial burden on everyone working together. I am sure we can accomplish it." Etler and Weinstein, in prepared remarks, stated that the borough will try striking a balance between maintaining essential services and trying to keep a lid on costs, if, as expected, aid dwindles. Etler praised his colleagues for striking that balance in 2002. "During the past year, the ship of state has remained stable," Etler claimed. Borough officials have already sent signals that they could very well dig deeper into the pockets of persons using municipal services this year, in areas that have nothing to do with state mandates. It has adopted an ordinance allowing the borough to establish parking meters throughout Fair Lawn, pending future action. It also plans on imposing a service charge on persons who dispose of construction debris at the recycling center. Don Oliver, with the Fair Lawn Homeowner's Association, wished the new council well and urged it to require that departments make sacrifices when possible - particularly in the area of personnel costs - in cutting the taxpayer a break. Yet Oliver, in interpreting the council members' statements, said it appears inevitable that all property owners will have to pony up more money in keeping the borough operating in 2003. "There is going to be a tax increase this year," Oliver said.      What Do You Think?: Send an e- mail to editor@fairlawnnews.com or post a message on the Fair Lawn News Discussion Forum.