May 21, 2007 Special
By Deanna Speck, Borough Clerk
May 21, 2007, 18:00
GENERAL COMMENTS – Commissioner’s Meeting – May 21, 2007
The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. in the Auditorium of the Borough Hall and the announcement of Public Meetings was read by Commissioner Colombi. After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence roll call was taken. Commissioner Colombi, Commissioner Rochford and Commissioner Borden were present along with the Borough Administrator, the Borough Solicitor, the Assistant to the Administrator/Deputy Clerk and the Borough Clerk.
Commissioner Rochford started the discussions by stating that tonight we are here to decide the fate of the 2007-2008 school budget. In the words of Yogi Berra it feels like déjà vu all over again. Before announcing his recommendations he wanted everyone in the room to understand that although we may disagree on the outcome of the school budget, to cut or not to cut, we should understand that we are all citizens of a wonderful community. We are neighbors, we are friends. We come from all walks of life and income levels. We may be at different points in our lives. Lets, however, walk out of this room tonight in our resolve to keep Haddonfield a caring place for all our residents. Many views have been shared and debated on what is on acceptable level of taxation to support not only the school budget, but the borough budget as well. As your elected officials we welcome that dialog and understand your frustrations. The principle of providing our children with a first rate education should remain a bedrock community standard. The balance between that first-rate education and high real estate taxes will continue to challenge this community. I recall finding a letter to the editor in a local Haddonfield newspaper complaining about high property taxes and the lack of accountability on how the funds were being spent. That letter to the editor was written in 1898. I have no doubt in 2098 when all of us are long gone that this debate will still be going on. As Commissioner of Revenue and Finance it was my responsibility to review with representatives of the School Board the school budget. I met with school representative to discuss possible cuts and to review their spending priorities. These are not always wasy discussions to have. The Board representatives were forthright and candid in regards to this budget. They gave us every piece of information that we asked for include: the budget document, specific line items, salaries and a detailed analysis of the contract impacts. They got back to us quickly with additional information when asked. Both Mayor Colombi and Commissioner Borden were engaged and briefed during the process. Both Ed and Tish brought insight and perspective that was instrumental in the Commissioners’ understanding the school budget process. Jo O’Brien, Joe Ehrhart and Andy Hall, the new Business Administrator, were also quite helpful in the process. They were professional and courteous throughout the process. One of the themes that came out of our talks is that next years’ budget process brings new challenges and new rules. The State of New Jersey has passed legislation that caps tax increases to 4% with some exceptions. It should be noted that the 2007-2008 school budget was under 4%. The school budget next year (2008-2009), however, may have to have a second question because of the new cap rule. If that is the case a super majority of 60% approval will be needed to pass the second question. Many programs will be at risk that could have a profound impact on this district. It is important to note that Haddonfield suffers from a lack of State aid and commercial ratables to help soften the impact of real estate taxes to fund local government and public schools. The need for tax reform that moves us away from real estate taxes to fund public education is urgent and long overdue. Our challenge as your elected officials moving forward will be to maintain quality services and be fiscally responsible to keep the tax burden as low as possible.
Dave Coggins, 845 Longwood Drive, commented that he was surprised at the sparse attendance at tonight’s meeting. He then talked about how New Jersey is the third highest state in tax burdens on its citizens, but number one in high property taxes. He felt that the problem with the BOE budget did not begin just a few years ago, but is something that has been building for some time, which gets worse every year. He remarked that something significant has to be done to reverse this trend, both for the Board of Education and the Borough. An unintended consequence is that more and more senior citizens will have to move out of town, selling their homes to families with young children, which will increase the burden to the schools. Of major concern to those without children or grandchildren in the school system is that there is no tax relief for them. He feels that New Jersey government is corrupt. He finished by stating that the BOE budget should be reduced by 5% from each and every line item.
Glenn Moramarco, 311 Reillywood, addressed the Commissioners by stating that the mandate before them is to scrutinize the BOE budget for fraud and waste. He went on to say that he understands that those who voted no to this budget cannot afford any increases. He pointed out though that the vast majority of those who voted did not scrutinize the budget. He listed a number of statistics and comparisons from surrounding municipalities showing that Haddonfield BOE does not have a lot of waste in their budget and is, in fact, spending less for more “product.” He pointed out that this budget shows more savings in cuts already made than the roughly $130,000 in new programs that the Commissioners have looked at as possible areas to cut. In addition, he noted that the Borough budget had an increase of 7.8% to maintain the current level of services, whereas the BOE budget has only at 3.61% increase. He feels that the Commissioners should cut only what is frivolous, not items that are mandated by the State, such as an elementary Global Languages program. If this program is cut it will only save the taxpayers approximately $10 per household per year for a house assessed at $220,000. He hopes that the Commissioners take into account things that happened in the Board of Education in the weeks after the defeat, such as the Superintendent of Schools resigning, as well as the High School Principal. He pointed out that Haddonfield is the only “J” District to be defeated in the State. He asked the Commissioners to have the courage of their convictions when deciding how they want to proceed with the BOE budget. He then presented the Commissioners with a petition signed by over 750 residents who are asking the Commissioners to pass the BOE budget “as is.”
Joe Welsh, 300 Euclid Avenue, stated that it is not the Commissioners prerogative to ignore the vote results. If they do so, then it sends a message of “why vote” to the residents. He asked what has happened to the will of the people if the Commissioners ignore the result of the vote. Lastly, he advised that there could be a recall of any Commissioner who forgets why they got elected.
Bob Greenberg, 206 E. Park Avenue, stated although he did not get the chance to vote in the School Board Election, he feels the budget is well planned document that was thought through and to suggest possible fraud in connection with the budget is offensive. He feels that the teachers in this school system are spectacular and urged the Commissioners to pass the budget as is.
Dan McCutcheon, 37 Avondale Avenue, stated that he is sympathetic to everything he has heard tonight. He also stated that it is the Commissioners’ obligation to review the BOE budget for waste and misspending and that if there is none, then to accept the budget as it is. He clarified that a “no vote” is not an obligation to find something to cut. It is not the responsibility of Haddonfield to solve the national problems of real estate issues, personal debt or those facing senior citizens. He pointed out that he feels the senior citizens have benefited from the Haddonfield schools. He believes that supporting the BOE is an obligation just like social security. He urged the Commissioners to vote their conscience and finished by stating that cutting this budget sends the wrong message.
Jennifer Gallogly, 385 Station Avenue, stated that she is a resident in town as well as a first grade teacher in this school system. She pointed out that the District is looking at an unprecedented number of teachers retiring this year. She is worried about the School Boards’ ability to attract highly qualified replacements for these retirees due to the recent problems with passing the budget and said budget being cut each time by the Commissioners. She cannot understand how anyone would not support the school budget and asked the Commissioners to pass the budget “as is.”
Monica Hennessy, 31 Walnut Street, stated that education should be everyone’s first and highest priority. She is concerned about the future of our society if budgets keep getting cut and less and less programs are offered to our children. She reminded all that children are our future. She asked the Commissioners to think about the impact their decision tonight will have. Lastly, she noted that reducing the programs offered our children could affect how many get into colleges.
June Leyendecker, 1165 Greenmount Road, stated that she comes from a long line of teachers and was one herself. She questioned why have an election at all at this point if the Commissioners can rescind the voice of the people.
Julie Vick, 300 Centre Street, stated that she is glad there are procedures in place for the BOE budget to be reviewed by the Commissioners in case of a defeated vote. In addition, she stated that the BOE has worked hard to manage with what they have. She doesn’t want to see the education system get chipped away. She supports education and feels that this is part of being an American. This District gave her children the support and dedication needed to move on in life and she is proud of what we have here with regards to the teachers and students. She stated that she did work on getting the vote out, but it wasn’t enough. Lastly, she asked the Commissioners to support the BOE budget “as is.”
Jeff Kasko, 136 Marne Avenue, indicated that he is not taking any side in this issue, but he does have some observations and/or questions. He pointed out that even those who voted against the budget support education. He asked for clarification on an “unprecedented amount of retirees” and asked what that number would be. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joe O’Brien, replied that in addition to the four retirements that they were aware of prior to the budget process, that an additional seven teachers and one educational assistant put in their notice just last week for a total of 12. Mr. Kasko then asked if an allowance had been made for a difference in starting and ending salaries on these positions. Commissioner Colombi replied that this difference, or “breakage”, was accounted for on the retirements that the BOE was made aware of prior to the completion of the budget. Superintendent O’Brien confirmed that this difference was budgeted only for in the four known retirements. Mr. Kasko asked if the additional retirements would make a difference. Commissioner Rochford replied that the additional retirements were not part of the consideration.
Steve Weinstein, 247 Kings Highway West, stated that in addition to being a resident of Haddonfield, he is also the President of the School Board, although he would address the Commissioners as a resident. He started by thanking the Commissioners and staff for all their hard work on this budget. He noted that there is no decision that can be made here that will make all the residents happy. In terms of the impact of cutting the budget, a $130,000 cut is a token, but a 5% or $1.5 million cut is not. That large a cut would cause great harm to this District. In addition, he does not feel that there is any waste or fraud present in the 2007-2008 school budget. He pointed out that this is the second year in a row that the BOE budget has been defeated at the polls. The BOE is committed to reaching out to the community to start a dialogue regarding their budget. It was noted that there already is approximately $250,000 in savings in this budget, which was done in reaction to last year’s defeated budget. He feels that there will be consequences if cuts are made to such a tight budget. If the decision made tonight is to cut just $57,000 in the elementary global languages area then he feels this means that no waste was found. He asked the Commissioner to not cut the budget.
Mr. Coggins thanked the teachers and all the taxpayers who voted in the BOE election and for all those who gave their opinions at tonight’s meeting. He stated that there does not seem to be one driving idea for people’s support or opposition to this budget. He then declared that Dr. Joe O’Brien is owed a debt of gratitude for all that he has done for this school district as Superintendent.
Ms. Leyendecker commented that she feels everything is done behind the scenes in this town and that too many things are kept secrete from the residents. She remarked on a suggested that she has expressed in the past about having high school seniors attend the Commissioners’ Meetings, rather than fourth graders, and requiring them to write a report on what they learn. She stated that she gets the impression that this is not done because it is not wanted to have the teenagers find out what is really going on.
Mr. Moramarco commented that he agreed with Mr. Coggins on the issue of Supt. Joe O’Brien. He pointed out that if Haddonfield hadn’t had 20 years of undefeated budgets he feels that we would not have been able to attract someone of this caliber and now we need to rally to get a replacement of the same caliber.
Commissioner Colombi thanked every for attending and for their comments.
Commissioner Borden announced that he was handing out a prepared statement, along with a comparison with surrounding municipalities. In paraphrasing from this statement, he stated that he is requesting the Commissioners to pass the budget as proposed. This is a suggestion only and he stated that this step has not been taken lightly. He noted that there are roughly 8,200 registered voters, less than 2,000 of whom voted in the April election. He pointed out that tens of thousands have died so that we can vote. Although he fully appreciates the work of the SOS group to circulate a petition urging the Commissioners to affirm the budget as proposed, he pointed out that we do not govern by petition but do so as a representative government. Given the fact that all votes matter, he cannot lightly give his vote in the matter before the Commissioners. He then reviewed information that he gathered on the internet from the New Jersey Comparative Spending Guide showing that Haddonfield spending is not the highest among the surrounding municipalities. This shows that spending is done well in Haddonfield which reflects a great job in the “bang for the buck” equation. He does not feel that the Borough should provide some form of punishment on those who failed to vote, because what this really does is deprive students. A very small symbolic cut would provide no real tax relief that any taxpayer would even notice and he would prefer to say that the Commissioners looked as hard as they could to find ways to make real cuts in the budget that would not significantly impact the quality of public education in Haddonfield and are satisfied that there are none.
Commissioner Colombi stated that she is very disappointed that this has come before the Commissioners for a second year in a row. She further stated that she is not in favor of cutting teachers. Lastly, she stated that the “no’s” got more votes and that this must be listened to.
Commissioner Rochford stated that he does not understand the apathy of the voters, especially on the education of our children. Voting is a sacred right of the people. He pointed out that if the school budget had been passed by six votes, then we would not even be here right now. He questions what message is sent to those who voted no if nothing is done. He then pointed out the Board of Education can reallocate the money necessary should something be cut.
Commissioner Colombi commented that at the General Election in November 2006 the residents of this community approved an Open Space Tax Referendum, which will increase their taxes, yet people couldn’t come out to vote on the school budget. She also pointed out that all candidates in an election go into it knowing what is needed to get elected or get something passed; that there is a goal to be worked towards.
Commissioner Rochford made a motion to eliminate the elementary World Language program at a cost of $57,000 from the 2007-2008 Board of Education school budget. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombi. The motion was passed by a unanimous vote, with Commissioner Borden stating that everyone knew his position but that he has determined through the course of the evening and by listening to what the people have said that he will vote in-line with the rest of the Board of Commissioners.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Deanna Speck
Borough Clerk
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