Neptune City Council OKs Temporary Budget, Road Repairs
By JOANNE L. PAPAIANNI
The Neptune City Borough Council voted to amend a temporary 2008 budget in the amount of $2,485,805 in order to approve improvements to streets in the borough.
The municipal budget would normally have been introduced by this time, but because of cuts in state aid and the postponement of firm state figures the entire process has been delayed.
Borough Administrator Joel Popkin said the law dictates that the appropriations made under the amended temporary budget must be inserted into the permanent budget when it is formally introduced.
Council President Barbara Shafer conducted the meeting in the absence of Mayor Thomas Arnone and said as chair of the finance committee she is working on the budget and hopes to introduce it in April or May.
With increases in pensions, and cuts in state aid, we have to work on it harder. I appreciate your patience. We are trying to keep services our residents are used to with no increase in taxes, Shafer said.
Shafer also thanked all for well wishes during her recent hospitalization.
Popkin said the amount voted on will carry the borough through the first meeting in May, but will have to be carried forward if the budget is not introduced in May.
Road improvements are being made to Fifth Avenue, with curb and sidewalk improvements to East End Avenue, Neptune Avenue and W. Sylvania Avenue.
Most of the funding for the road improvements comes from federal funds funneled through the county Community Development Block Grant.
The Fifth Avenue project costs $250,000 with $55,100 being financed by the borough.
Popkin also announced that a police vehicle will be auctioned off April 14 in as is condition.
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