Budget Plans Already in the Works

Though the official budget introduction is still weeks away, planning for the 2011-12 fiscal year has been set in motion by the West Deptford Township Committee.

The committee has already slashed more than $600,000 from the budget, and is looking to save wherever it can. The state kept municipal funding flat this year, and the township will get the same $2,009,241 in municipal aid as in 2010-11, but there’s a 2-percent property tax cap to work with, as well.

“We’re still working on it,” Mayor Anna Docimo said, adding that the process, including a budget workshop, has gone well so far, with individual committee members meeting with their departments as they hash out the numbers for the coming year.

And all options–including the potential of layoffs or furlough time–are still under consideration.

“We’ll keep our fingers crossed, and see where we are,” Docimo said.

In some cases, as Committeeman Sean Kilpatrick pointed out last week, the township can’t cut any more staff, as they’re already operating at the legal minimum number of workers, as is the case in the township utilities department.

West Deptford is also currently in contract talks with the public works department, which Docimo said shouldn’t affect budget planning. She said the township hopes to have that contract settled soon, and was quick to praise the efforts of the workers.

“They are second to none,” Docimo said.

Potentially helping the township is the recent property revaluation, which Deputy Mayor Len Daws said saw an increase in commercial ratables, despite the loss of the Eagle Point refinery.

Last year’s total township budget, including debt service, was $30,277,257.69