file photo by Boyd Loving
April 27,2015
Ridgewood Nj, The Village of Ridgewood presented a $47.1 million municipal budget last Wednesday night during a presentation by the Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld and council members.
The new budget includes a 1.2 percent tax increase which acording to the Ridgewood news , is equal to $46.72 on a home assessed at the village average of $690,662, plus another $9 for the library tax. (https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-council-goes-all-in-on-budget-1.1320392 )
The news also reported roughly $3.03 million in surplus is being utilized in this year’s budget; the amount of surplus left over will be slightly higher than 2014, with $1.5 million remaining while outstanding debt will also decrease by about $2 million.
Village Manager Roberta Sonenfeld continued to emphasize on operating efficiencies, resident service improvements, and investments in both people and technology.
Most notable are long over due investments in the chronically dysfunctional Building Department, and the launch of a new village website. The Building department as previously announced on this blog has also raised fees and offered an Amnesty for non compilers.
The Village manager also illuminated the implementation of a Human Resources Department, enhanced support for the Community Center, staff development initiatives, re-accreditation of the Ridgewood Police Department, and a cleanup of tree wells and other aesthetical improvements. (https://www.northjersey.com/news/ridgewood-council-goes-all-in-on-budget-1.1320392 ) . The jury is still out as to whether any of these will lead to cost savings , productivity improvements or better customer service.
2015 Ridgewood Budget Presentation
Budget Presentation at Introduction of the 2015 Budget on April 22, 2015
Click Here
For the Official State Budget Document
Click Here
The Budget Hearing will be held May 27 at 7:30pm in the Village Hall Court Room. The Village Council will vote on the budget at the end of the hearing.
