An overwhelming number of readers participating in an 07080 web poll say public employees, like teachers and police, should take a pay freeze to help balance the Borough and school board's budgets.
Of the 64 people taking the poll, 78% favored a one-year freeze. The remainder (21%) disagreed, saying there is no need for it.
Wage freezes have been a hot topic ever since Governor Chris Christie reduced state aid to schools and municipalities last month, citing the state's dire finances resulting from a $10.5 billion budget deficit. Since then, Christie has been urging school employees to take a one-year freeze, pointing out the disparity between raises in the public and private sectors.
Board of Education member Debbie Boyle recently called upon the school district's unions to freeze their wages for one year, but the unions never responded to her request. As a result, the board enacted a budget with over 30 staff layoffs (teachers, aids, and secretaries), along with program cuts that include elimination of summer school and freshman sports. The planned $52 million budget will also raise taxes by slightly over $100 per household.
The Borough is also looking at ways to cut. Although it's already eliminated a half dozen jobs through attrition, more layoffs are likely. The Borough has also discussed renegotiating its contracts as a means to balance its budget, which will be down $700,000 in state aid. In addition, the Borough is facing several hundred thousand dollars in retirement costs from workers who are entitled to unlimited compensation for unused sick and vacation time.
Monday, April 5, 2010
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This project will also include 10% low income families as well as 10% Moderate income families. These will be larger units for more people. Bussing will be needed and more Municipal services for this group.
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