Haddonfield Lions Club

38th Annual Mayor’s Breakfast

Revenue & Finance Address

Commissioner Jeffrey S. Kasko

January 23, 2010 

Mayor Colombi, fellow Lions, fellow citizens:  Good morning. 

I’d like to start by thanking the Lions Club for putting today’s event together – and thanking everyone here for your attendance.  It has been my privilege to serve as on the Board of Commissioners for 8 months and I’d like to thank everyone for giving me a chance to give back to our great community. 

As you know, three of us serve as commissioners under our form of local government – divided into three departments.  Ed gets to oversee the exciting and newsworthy department – the police.  Tish gets to oversee the really glamorous part – trash pick up.  And I get to oversee the part that everyone loves to hate – the collection of property taxes! 

As Commissioner of Revenue & Finance, I am happy to report that the fiscal state of the Borough is sound –  but not without its challenges.  Let me start with the good news. 

We run on a calendar year budget – and in 2009, or tax collection rate was 98.72% – above the state average and only about a half percent lower than 2008 – which isn’t bad considering the state of our economy.  The town-wide property reassessment and all its appeals are now complete.  Overall, we have an efficient borough government with 2009 appropriations of about $14.9 million and about 120 regular employees.  All of the services we deliver – police, fire, trash, recycling, parks, recreation, library, senior center, permits, construction office, administration, downtown enhancement, and more – continue to be provided at the same level demanded by borough residents. 

The other good news is that in 2009, I was able to form a citizen’s Budget Review Committee of 20 residents, who have met monthly since September.  I thank them for their service.  They will be issuing a report with recommendations very soon, and they have committed to continue providing citizen input and guidance on borough revenue and spending.

The bad news is that the revenue side of the ledger, excepting property tax collection, continues to be a challenge, with several revenue categories decreasing beyond our control.  As you know, in challenging economic times, people spend less on things – and government at all levels feels the pinch.  Court fines, parking revenue, construction fees, and state aid have all been decreasing. 

Add to this the demands of state regulations, mandates, union contractual agreements, increased pension and healthcare costs, and fixed expenses that are on the rise.  Let me tell you, it isn’t fun and certainly isn’t always easy to figure out a government budget! 

So – how have we faced these challenges over the past year and what can we do in 2010? 

First, we have insisted on limiting the role of municipal government to those functions and services that are mandated by law or expected of its taxpayers. 

Second, we have aggressively sought out grant money available at the federal, state and county levels –  and were successful in 2009 in securing extra funds for road and infrastructure improvements and open space preservation. 

Third, we will continue to explore ways in which we can share services and expenses with others – including the county, other municipalities, the school district and the private sector.  Right now, we are waiting to hear the results of a study to merge municipal court costs with two neighboring towns. 

Fourth, we will continue to evaluate whether certain functions and services can be outsourced to the private sector.  If we can get the same level of quality service in a more cost-effective manner, then we need to consider it. 

Fifth, I hope to continue the process of using a competitive, fair and open process for all professional appointments, and complete moving them from part-time government employment with pensions and benefits to professional service contracts. 

And finally, it is my hope that some of the changes needed, both locally and at the state level, with come to fruition.  I remain committed to having our Citizen’s Budget Review Committee continue in its role.  And I remain hopeful that our new Governor – who has pledged to eliminate unfunded mandates, make it easier to share costs, reign-in unnecessary spending, more fairly distribute municipal and school aid, and stop the fiscal roller-coaster ride faced by towns and taxpayers across New Jersey – will succeed. 

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to update you and share some of my thoughts – and thank you for allowing me to serve as your Commissioner.