Andover Township budget in the works

Andover - The annual process of determining the 2007 budget for the Township has begun. Township Administrator Steven Padula has set a goal of no budget increase and it seems as though that may be achieved. “Presently, the budget is in draft form. And in draft form, there is no increase. When budgets are submitted to me from my department heads, I am looking for an overall decrease in the operating budget, “Padula said. The municipal budget will be introduced on first reading at the Township Committee meeting on March 26. If passed, it will be advertised and opened for a public before and final approval. Although the state cap that needs to be maintained for budget increases is 2 ½ percent, it is likely that the township will introduce and pass an ordinance on March 12 to extend the cap to 3 ½ percent, as is also allowed by law. Any unused monies can be saved for the township. Andover Township has not received any figures from the county’s 2007 budget, so it is not yet known whether taxpayers will be affected by an increase from the regional school district or the county library or general budget. Freeholder Director Susan Zellman did state at last week’s Andover township committee meeting that a 3.3 percent increase is expected for taxpayers. Padula remains optimistic about Andover and said, “Mayor Walsh and the township committee are strong on providing quality services at affordable and minimal costs to the taxpayers.”