Special Public Budget Meeting 20160406
A SPECIAL PUBLIC BUDGET MEETING OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF RIDGEWOOD HELD IN THE SYDNEY V. STOLDT, JR., COURTROOM ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE RIDGEWOOD VILLAGE HALL, 131 NORTH MAPLE AVENUE, RIDGEWOOD, NEW JERSEY, ON APRIL 6, 2015 AT 5:00 P.M.
1. CALL TO ORDER – OPEN PUBLIC MEETINGS ACT – ROLL CALL
Mayor Aronsohn called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. and read the Statement of Compliance with the Open Public Meetings Act. At roll call the following were present: Councilmembers Hauck, Knudsen, Pucciarelli and Sedon. Also present were Roberta Sonenfeld, Village Manager; Heather Mailander, Village Clerk; and Stephen Sanzari, Deputy Chief Financial Officer.
2. FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Aronsohn led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. There was also a moment of silence held to honor the American men and women serving in the Armed Forces as well as those serving as first responders.
Mayor Aronsohn commented that the past two budget meetings have been extremely fruitful and this meeting and the next one will focus on the final budget figures.
3. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Cynthia Halaby, 374 Evergreen Place, Ridgewood, New Jersey, indicated that she sent a letter to the Village Council on February 21, 2015. She is the President of the Conservancy for Ridgewood Public Lands. She reiterated the importance of including in the budget an irrigation system on North Broad Street so that they can continue their work at that site. Without an adequate irrigation system, they are considering whether or not to do any more plantings. Regarding the Parks and Recreation Department, Ms. Halaby recommended that they receive much more seasonal manpower. The gardens need to be maintained, particularly the ones in the Central Business District (CBD). Mayor Aronsohn thanked Ms. Halaby for her comments and leadership.
George Wolfson, 212 Steilen Avenue, Ridgewood, New Jersey, said he also supports the Park and Recreation Department in their efforts to provide quality of life programs to the Village. It seemed to him as though their budget was cut every year because they do not provide more important services, such as security. He pointed out that quality of life issues are important, and gave examples of a well-attended reptile class for children at Village Hall as well as a Girl Scout planting project at Willard School. He reminded the Village Council that these types of programs are what draw people to Ridgewood and encourage community involvement, and he expressed the hope that they would continue. Regarding the Shade Tree Commission, he reported that there are now 15 new trees in the CBD, bringing the total to about 25 new trees planted within the last year. Mayor Aronsohn thanked Mr. Wolfson for his comments and leadership.
Jo Delaney, Union Street, Ridgewood, New Jersey, stated that she was the Chair of the Kasschau Memorial Shell Committee. She echoed the sentiments of the two previous speakers regarding the Parks and Recreation Department. She stated that some of the things that make Ridgewood so special are the shell concerts held each summer from June through July. Attendance at these events ranges from 200 to 600 people from Ridgewood and neighboring communities. This will be the 57th year that performances have been held at the Kasschau Shell. For 55 years, they received a stipend, but did not receive any money last year. They are dependent upon local business donations and funding from the Village Council to be able to put on these performances, which have been a tradition in Ridgewood for many years. She praised the Parks and Recreation Department for their cooperation and support in the Committee’s endeavors. She urged the Village Council to give due consideration to these matters when developing the final budget.
Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that the Village Council had recently issued a check to Kasschau Shell for $5,000 for 2014, and that there will be additional funds issued to the Shell in 2015. Ms. Delaney thanked Ms. Sonenfeld for informing her of this fact. Mayor Aronsohn thanked Ms. Delaney for her comments.
Don Delzio, 636 Upper Boulevard, Ridgewood, New Jersey, stated that he was past Treasurer of the Conservancy for Public Lands. He echoed the sentiments of Ms. Halaby about funding for the irrigation project on North Broad Street. They invested a large sum of money for the plantings by the train station, and the irrigation system is necessary for these plantings to thrive. He also stated support for the budget requests by the Parks and Recreation Department and asked the Village Council not to decrease any funding in that department. He is also involved in the Ridgewood Baseball Association and remarked that a large sum of money is spent on baseball field maintenance. Mr. Delzio also spoke about the quality of life in Ridgewood. Mayor Aronsohn thanked Mr. Delzio for his comments.
Councilwoman Hauck asked Ms. Halaby and Mr. Delzio how much money has been invested in the new landscaping by the train station on North Broad Street. Ms. Halaby estimated that they have invested approximately $5,000 to $6,000 in plantings (15 dogwood trees, 8 flowering trees of various types, dozens of flowering shrubs, hundreds of bulbs and hundreds of day lilies). The area was re-graded and all the dead privets were removed along the platform and replaced with new burning bush. She stated that she will research the exact figure and report back to the Village Council. Councilwoman Hauck stated that it was important to preserve these plantings and make sure that the trees, shrubs and flowers do not die. Ms. Halaby mentioned that they hired a young man to hand water all the plantings in 2014, but that they can’t keep doing that year after year. Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that the irrigation system is included among the budget numbers.
Mayor Aronsohn asked if there were any other comments from the public, and there were none. He briefly explained the discussion items on the agenda. The goal is to introduce a final budget at the next meeting on April 22, 2015. Ms. Sonenfeld also gave an overview of the agenda items.
4. DISCUSSION ITEMS
a. 2015 Revenues
Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that 2015 projected revenues were relatively flat compared to realized revenues in 2014. The anticipated surplus for 2015 has been increased by $50,000 over 2014 ($3,032,000 and $2,982,000, respectively). Under miscellaneous revenues, Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that there will be no revenue generated from the sale of compost in 2015 since there is a pending agreement regarding the Lakeview Yardwaste Facility, wherein the revenues from the sale of mulch will not go to the Village. If the agreement falls through, then revenues from the sale of compost will be added to next year’s surplus. Ms. Sonenfeld reviewed the public and private revenues and stated that Mr. Sanzari has updated the grants, which were slightly less than what was budgeted for 2014, but over what was realized in 2014. She pointed out that the administrative charges and vehicle fees for police outside services remained relatively steady at $375,000 as anticipated revenues, as opposed to $379,435 for 2014. There is a risk associated with the anticipated 2015 revenues in this category, primarily due to the possible loss of up to seven Police Officers in the Police Department. Overtime will be incurred since no new Police Officers will be hired until the outcome of the new contract negotiations.
Ms. Sonenfeld next pointed out that the big difference in revenues from 2014 to 2015 was the money received from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). She pointed out that $800,000 has been reserved for flood emergencies and $500,000 reserved for debt service, which are all funds received from FEMA. She mentioned that there is approximately $200,000 which the Village is still attempting to collect from FEMA. Christopher Rutishauser, Village Engineer, corroborated that fact and stated that they are trying to resolve some issues with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out the Public Library Tax of $2,065,105.96 for 2015, which is mandated by the State of New Jersey and which has increased approximately $65,000 since 2014.
Councilman Pucciarelli inquired about the $800,000 set aside for flood emergencies, asking whether this was cash sitting in a bank account. Ms. Sonenfeld replied that these monies were actually being expended to reimburse the Village for expenses incurred during Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene, and other past inclement weather events. Councilwoman Hauck asked for clarification of the Public Library Tax. Ms. Sonenfeld reiterated that this tax was mandated by the State. Councilman Pucciarelli also noted that the reserve for debt service in 2015 ($500,000) was substantially higher than in 2014 ($70,000). Ms. Sonenfeld replied that these were monies received from FEMA to pay off debt incurred by the Village as a result of past storms. This money will be used to offset principal payments of bonds which were issued by the Village.
b. 2015 Budget Proposals
1. “Recommended Budget”
Ms. Sonenfeld then began to review the 2015 recommended budget. This recommended budget of $31,326,183.01 will result in a 1.20% tax increase ($371,487.65), which is the equivalent of $46.72 per year per household. When the library tax is added, which is a separate tax, there will be an average tax increase of $55.72 per year per household. Initially when the numbers were figured out, there was a 1.80% tax increase. The figures were reworked, omitting approximately $200,000 in expense in the budgets of the Village Manager, Fire Department, Engineering Department, Signal Department and Department of Public Works, particularly Fleet. Some numbers were increased, such as the expense for sludge hauling in the Engineering Department ($47,000), which obviated the need for any capital investment. In addition, the sum of $35,000 was added for an attorney to possibly handle negotiations for the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (PBA) as well as $35,000 for on-going personnel litigation.
Ms. Sonenfeld stated that she felt the budget recommendations will result in better resident services and improved quality of life. Some examples she pointed out were the revitalization of the Building Department/Board of Adjustment and implementation of a Human Resources (HR) Department. The recommended budget also allows for technology advancements (i.e., Municipality in a Box software); professional development and support for the IT Department; and for a new Chief Financial Officer/Director for the Parking Utility. There will be an increased focus on all aspects of parking: enhanced budgeting and more oversight; project management of the new garages; and implementation of Park Mobile. There will be enhanced support for the Community Center; staff development (Bergen LEADS); development of a disaster recovery plan; continuance of the “Leave No Leaf Behind” program; and maintenance of shade trees and tree wells.
Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out some other highlights, including an increase in the building maintenance budget; increased expenses for the Police Department due to contracts and ammunition, which is $518,000 over the actual 2014 budget); increase in group health insurance, which is $631,000 over the actual 2014 budget); increase in disposal of grass clippings (from $65,000 to $105,000); increase in polymer for the Water Pollution Control Facility (from $57,000 to $100,000); outsourcing of sludge hauling of $47,000; and additional signage. There will be a use of surplus in the amount of $3,032,000, which is $50,000 more than last year. This will leave $1,540,000 in surplus, which is almost $82,000 higher than what was left in 2014. Decreases include $200,000 less in gasoline expenses and $350,000 in the Fire Department. There is an increase of $40,000 for legal fees for the Planning Board regarding litigation by The Valley Hospital.
Ms. Sonenfeld mentioned that significantly-sized Village departments are within 1% of last year’s budget. The 2015 budget for the Department of Public Works, with higher dumping fees but savings in fuel costs, is 3% less than the 2014 budget and 0% less than the 2014 actual budget ($5.2 million). The 2015 budget for the Recreation Department is 5% less than the 2014 budget and actual budget. The 2015 budget for the Parks Department is 1% over the 2014 budget and actual budget. The 2015 budget for the Fire Department is 9% less than the 2014 budget and 7% less than the actual 2014 budget. The 2015 budget for Graydon Pool is 4% less than the 2014 budget and 5% less than the actual 2014 budget. Overall staffing levels have been maintained, except for the investment spending. The 2015 budget includes the absorption of blue-collar and white-collar salary increases due to the late contract settlement in 2014 (1.50 + 1.50 + 1.50). This grants the Library half of their request (request was for 1.5%, recommended budget calls for a .75% increase).
Ms. Sonenfeld next discussed the risks associated with the 2015 recommended budget. These include the use of one-time revenues, particularly FEMA; legal fees for the Planning Board and the PBA contract; snow removal costs (of which there is $100,000 left to spend); and terminal leave, which is accumulated sick time for people who are retiring, and is equal to the 2014 budget ($420,000).
2. “Premium/Reduced Risk Budget”
Ms. Sonenfeld then described the premium/reduced risk budget, which calls for an estimated levy in 2015 of $31,457,383.01 (versus the 2014 tax levy of $30,954,695.36), which is an increase of $502,687.65. This results in a 1.62% tax increase, which translates to an average tax increase of $62.48 per year for homeowners, and $71.48 per year including the Library tax. This premium/reduced risk budget adds $200,000 to the terminal leave category ($620,000 total); provides the Library with $25,000 or 75% of their initial request; and incremental outsourcing of garden maintenance of $58,000.
3. “Reduced Investment/Greater Risk Budget”
Ms. Sonenfeld next explained the reduced investment/greater risk budget, which calls for an estimated levy in 2015 of $31,206,383.01 (versus the 2014 tax levy of $30,954,695.36), which is an increase of $25,687.65. This results in a .81% tax increase, which translates to an average tax increase of $32.33 per year for homeowners, and $41.33 per year including the Library tax. This budget cuts certain expenses from the “recommended budget,” including $17,000 for the Library; $20,000 from Building Maintenance; $15,000 for the Disaster Recovery Plan; $5,000 from Shade Tree/Forestry/Training; $3,300 for Project Pride and the tree wells; $6,020 for IT training and CIO certification; $25,000 for IT support; $4,200 from the Village Clerk’s budget; $2,100 from the Health Department; and $3,000 for Bergen LEADS professional development.
Mayor Aronsohn asked Ms. Sonenfeld if she had the total budget numbers for each of these proposed cuts. She indicated that Mr. Sanzari would provide those numbers. In the meantime, she showed Mayor Aronsohn where he could find the total 2014 budget for each department in the paperwork provided. Mr. Sanzari indicated that the total projected revenues for 2015 were $47,061,115.70, and the key number would be the 2015 estimated tax levy of $31,326,183.01, which equals the recommended budget.
Councilman Sedon inquired about the snow removal budget of $100,000. He asked where any additional money would come from if the entire $100,000 were spent on snow removal. Ms. Sonenfeld said that this would be accomplished through a line item transfer from another budgeted item; failing that, it would be accomplished through an emergency appropriation. Councilman Sedon asked if it could be done by using surplus, and Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that that could not be done.
Councilman Pucciarelli asked about the “capital side” of the recommended budget. Ms. Sonenfeld replied that the capital included in this proposed budget is the capital that was reviewed with the Councilmembers at the last two meetings and it was adjusted slightly downward. Councilman Pucciarelli asked how the Village fared with regard to the 2014 surplus. Ms. Sonenfeld reported that at the end of 2014, the surplus had been replenished and was slightly more than it had been the prior year. Surplus is created by increased revenues and decreased projected expenses. Councilman Pucciarelli also asked what percentage of the Village portion of the tax bill would represent the $55.72 tax increase per homeowner. Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that that figure would be computed for him.
c. Capital Budget Update
Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that the original proposed capital budget has been decreased from approximately $3.5 million to $3,124,754, but is slightly higher than the approximate $2.9 million in 2014. The Village will be servicing debt in the amount of $3,745,228. This expense is imbedded in the expense portion of the recommended budget. The total bonds and notes due as of December 31, 2014 was $38,826,791.41, as opposed to a projected balance as of December 31, 2015 of $36,581,563.41. This takes into account a projected paydown of debt in 2015 of $3,745,228, with the issuance of new debt of $1,500,000 in 2015. Ms. Sonenfeld explained the bonds and notes authorized and not issued, commonly referred to as the “sinking fund.”
Ms. Sonenfeld explained that the total appropriation for the purchase of new vehicles for 2015 amounted to $1,235,500, and the total appropriation for new technology amounted to $321,725. She explained the appropriations for the Police Department for infrastructure and equipment amounting to $148,900; the request for the access control equipment would be delayed until 2016. She described the allocation of $500,000 for 2015 street paving, which might not be used until 2016 since there is already an allocation of approximately $3 million for street paving from prior years. Ms. Sonenfeld noted several items that were taken out of this year’s recommended budget, including work at Kings Pond in the amount of $750,000; work on the Village Hall doors and Library doors; and the digester covers for the Water Pollution Control Facility. An allocation of $7,600 has been made to the Parks Department for irrigation, as well as several appropriations for improvements at Graydon Pool, including tank restoration, blower, chlorine pump, primer pump and outdoor showers. Allocations were also made for restoration at the Lester Stable and oil tank remediation at the Library.
Mayor Aronsohn asked if there were any questions regarding the capital budget and there were none.
d. Library
Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that the Municipal Mandated Library Tax increased from $2,000,296 in 2014 to $2,065,106 in 2015. Actual expenses for the Library in 2014 totaled $2,639,742. Their operating expense budget for 2015 is $2,697,696, an increase of 2.2% or $57,000. The proposed recommended budget allocation for the Library in 2015 is $2,355,229, approximately one-half of the requested amount. This amount is increased slightly in the premium/reduced risk budget and is held flat to 2014 in the reduced investment/greater risk budget. Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that the Village pays any principal and interest on the Library’s capital expenditures, which is an estimated $7,000 to $8,000. She mentioned that all requests were duly considered and that she attempted to be fair amongst all departments, with some departmental budgets being prioritized over others.
Councilman Pucciarelli noted the modest, sensible and careful approach with which the proposed budget for the Library was developed. However, he mentioned that he was having trouble reconciling the 1.5% increase as computed by Nancy Greene ($34,783) versus the proposed .75% increase in the recommended budget. Ms. Sonenfeld explained that the actual increase in expenses was 2.2% year over year ($2,649,742 in 2014 and $2,697,696 for 2015) or a total of $58,000 in increased expenses from 2014. She explained that Ms. Greene was requesting to be funded 1.5% more than the incremental funding in 2014. The Library was asking the Village to fund $34,000 of the $58,000 in increased expenses, which is more than 1.1%. Councilman Pucciarelli mentioned that very little of the proposed budget was for salaries. He asked if Ms. Greene could be invited to comment on this proposed Library budget. Ms. Sonenfeld replied that all Department Heads were asked not to make requests that were 2.2% higher than 2014 unless they were doing investment spending. To answer Councilman Pucciarelli’s prior question earlier in this meeting, Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that the percentage increase on the Municipal portion of the tax bill would be 1.324% if the Village passed the recommended budget, including the Library budget.
Mayor Aronsohn asked if there were any other questions regarding the Library budget and there were none.
e. 2015 Parking Utility
Ms. Sonenfeld then explained the Parking Utility 2015 Budget Overview. She mentioned that it includes a new allocation of costs and reimbursement to the Village of $250,000 from prior years’ deficits. This is not the total of prior years’ deficits, which is over $500,000. The salaries for the Parking Enforcement Officers are included in this budget as well. Revenues from the parking meters are estimated at $1,155,000.
Mayor Aronsohn asked if the Village could be reimbursed more than the $250,000 since anticipated revenues are high and the Parking Utility has more than $500,000 in prior years’ deficits. Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that the Village could be reimbursed more. Mayor Aronsohn asked if there was a reason why the Village should not do so. Ms. Sonenfeld explained that if the Village took more than the $250,000 (which would lower the tax rate), it would make things more difficult for the Village in 2016 because there would be no reimbursement from the Parking Utility at all regarding prior years’ deficits.
Councilwoman Knudsen noted that the salary portion of the budget had significantly increased. She noted that a significant portion of the Village Manager’s budget had been brought over to the Parking Utility for the Chief Financial Officer/Director, which in turn would mean that fewer resources would be needed from the Village Manager’s Office. Councilwoman Knudsen asked if the numbers from the Village Manager’s Office needed to be scrutinized further. Mayor Aronsohn stated that he felt that even more hours would be spent by the staff in the Village Manager’s Office if plans to increase parking moved forward as anticipated. Ms. Sonenfeld agreed with Mayor Aronsohn’s statement and indicated that the total increase in the Village Manager’s budget was $47,700, which would be spread across all salaries and wages in the Village Manager’s office. She indicated that as much as 35% of their time per week is spent dealing with issues in the Parking Utility.
Ms. Sonenfeld also indicated that she was not sure whether the allocation for the salary of a full-time Chief Financial Officer/Director for the Parking Utility was sufficient. She mentioned that Mr. Sanzari had indicated that someone should be hired in the future to do an allocation study more quantitatively than the Village Manager has had time to do. However, for the time being, the figures contained in the summary are her best estimates.
Ms. Sonenfeld indicated that she would like to go back a few years to see exactly how much time has actually been spent by her office dealing with issues concerning the Parking Utility. Councilman Pucciarelli agreed that such a study should be performed to determine whether or not the Parking Utility is a cost versus profit center. A brief discussion was held regarding how revenues and surplus in the Parking Utility could be disbursed.
Mayor Aronsohn asked if there were any other questions regarding the Parking Utility budget and there were none.
f. 2015 Ridgewood Water Budget and Water Capital Budget
Frank Moritz, Director of Ridgewood Water, explained the Ridgewood Water Budget for 2015 and the Water Capital Budget. He mentioned that the proposed budget was -1% against the 2014 budget appropriations and +1% against the actual allocations for 2014. He stated that there was not a lot of risk associated with the budget, except for regulatory-related issues with the NJ Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). Overall revenues have been very good for Ridgewood Water over the years in order to keep the utility self-supporting.
Mr. Moritz stated that a lot of the items in the 2015 operating budget requests for Ridgewood Water are driven by regulatory constraints. The largest request is the telemetry system which runs the Water Utility known as the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The existing SCADA system in the wells is now about 20 years old and needs to be updated. Distribution system improvements need to be made, such as replacing pipelines across some of the brooks, most importantly by the Saddle River where it crosses Linwood Avenue because it is utilized for fire protection and has been broken for some time now. In addition, there is a $250,000 request for standby power. During a review by the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) regarding standby power at the Water Utility, they were found to be deficient at several locations. They are awaiting a study from a consulting firm to determine exactly what work needs to be done to satisfy the requirements of the USEPA. Other requests in the budget are for construction equipment (track loader that can operate in smaller areas to avoid collateral damage on private property) and well rehabilitation. Some of the well pumps are losing the ability to pump proper levels of water because the bore holes in the ground become clogged over time due to minerals in the water, and this needs to be rectified in order to bring the wells up to maximum efficient pumping levels.
Mr. Moritz stated that the total gross debt in 2014 was $22,248,200 and it is projected to be $24,318,200 as of December 31, 2015. He pointed out that total bonds and notes as of December 31, 2014 totaled $18,510,000 and will be paid down to a projected balance of $17,955,000 as of December 31, 2014. Ms. Sonenfeld noted that the Village was paying down more debt than was being issued in 2015 regarding the Water Utility.
Councilman Hauck asked whether debt issued for both the Village of Ridgewood and Ridgewood Water was issued separately or under one name, and whether or not it affected one or both credit ratings. Mr. Sanzari clarified that all debt is issued under the Village of Ridgewood; however, the Water Utility gets supported by the revenues. In the event the Water Utility was no longer self-sufficient, then the Village of Ridgewood taxpayers would pay that debt service and the credit rating of the Village of Ridgewood would be affected. Councilman Pucciarelli asked whether the Village was funding some or all of the capital expenditures for the Water Utility out of the operating budget of the Village. Ms. Sonenfeld explained how the debt has been issued and how it is being paid off. Councilwoman Hauck asked if this was the only budget which is projected out to 2019. Ms. Sonenfeld explained that this is really necessary for the Water Utility due to NJDEP regulations. However, from a Best Practices standpoint, Ms. Sonenfeld stated that she felt this should be done for all departments across the board.
Mayor Aronsohn asked if there were any other questions regarding the Water Utility budget and there were none.
7. Wrap-up of Budget Discussions and Setting of Tax Rate
Mayor Aronsohn asked whether the Councilmembers were ready to decide on one of the proposed budgets at this meeting or whether they needed more time. Councilman Sedon remarked that he needed more time to digest all of the numbers. Heather Mailander, Village Clerk, stated that there were time constraints to be considered in order for the budget to be passed in a timely manner. There was a discussion between Councilman Pucciarelli and Ms. Sonenfeld regarding the percentage breakdown of the actual tax increases between Municipal, County, and Board of Education portions.
Mayor Aronsohn thanked everyone for their hard work in putting together a budget which was fiscally responsible and which had a return on investment for Village taxpayers in the form of enhanced services and quality of life. Councilman Pucciarelli remarked that a lot of concessions had to be made by Village Departments to compensate for the increases, due to the collective bargaining agreements currently in place. Ms. Sonenfeld mentioned that in past years, due to budget cuts, there had been a decline in resident services, particularly concerning the Building Department, Finance Department and leaf removal, which hopefully will be rectified by this new budget proposal. Councilman Pucciarelli spoke about the restructured management of the Building Department and praised the efforts of Zoning Officer Anthony Merlino, who managed the Building Department while performing other demanding tasks at the same time. Councilwoman Knudsen echoed the comments of Councilman Pucciarelli, citing the fact that the Building Department had been understaffed and underfunded for a while and performed well under those conditions. Ms. Sonenfeld pointed out that there was a large volume of voicemails, emails, and permits which had not been attended to and which created a backlog.
Councilwoman Hauck stated that the Village Council was attempting to introduce the budget on April 22, 2015, which was a little over two weeks from the date of this meeting. She asked whether any modifications could be made to the budget once one of the proposed budgets was agreed upon by all Councilmembers and a final budget was drawn up. Ms. Sonenfeld stated that, ideally, no tweaking should be made, but changes could be made among various line items, as long as the final numbers remained the same. It was agreed that a mutually convenient meeting would be scheduled shortly to agree on a proposed budget.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mayor Aronsohn asked if there were any comments by the public and there were none.
9. ADJOURNMENT
On motion by Councilwoman Hauck, seconded by Councilman Sedon, and carried unanimously by voice vote, the Village Council’s Special Public Budget Meeting was adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
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Paul Aronsohn
Mayor
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Heather A. Mailander
Village Clerk
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