The Alternative Press

HARDYSTON TOWNSHIP, NJ - Hardyston Township’s second mayor and council meeting for the month of March took place on March 13. The council discussed a plethora of topics at the short meeting. Many of the topics were routine, and did not require discussion.

The only ordinance discussed at this meeting dealt with the cap that the township had. The cap is not being used completely so part of it will be banked. This was approved by the council.

The first resolution dealt with problems collecting taxes that the township faced at the end of 2012. The township is averaging the past three years to make the budget work. This was also approved by the council.

The council then began to discuss the budget for 2013. The budget for this year is $10,270,642. The budget will be introduced in a public hearing on April 16. Marianne Smith, the township manager, discussed how the budget aimed to regenerate funds.

“The bulk of the levy increase this year is focusing on replenishing funds that we normally utilize from surplus,” Smith said. “It's more of a revenue loss, generated increase.”

She then said that there has been around a two percent increase for the past 17 years in the township. Councilman Wayne Ross motioned to adopt the budget with a touch of humor.

“We have a motion to introduce with the promise that you'll have popcorn for the evening's show,” Ross said.

There was another resolution discussed the contract for the street sweeper. There was one bid and it met with all of the legalities, and was approved by the council.

The next resolution dealt with the township’s tax maps. The same company was allowed to do them and the cost was not to go above $7,000. This resolution was also approved by the council.

The next resolution dealt with a liquor license transfer. This resolution concerns a pocket license at the Swing In Deli which is located in the Hardyston Plaza. A pocket liquor license is a license that has been inactive or pocketed for over two years. RBAA LLC., has now found a place to own the business and the company is looking for a transfer of licenses. The council approved this resolution.

The next resolution dealt with bond refinancing. This deals with the township’s surplus utilization policy. 

The meeting ended with the manager's report. After the budget the council will start work on a capital improvement plan. The plan is planned to be opened by the end of this year. There will be workshop meetings in May and June to discuss the capital improvement plan. The plan will be adopted by the end of the year.

She then discussed aid from the Highlands, which are not guaranteed to make up for the loss in tax revenue. Smith also discussed meetings next week dealing with the construction of the emergency helipad. She also discussed some recreation topics. There are a lot of events going on including a preschool-aged music program.

 Follow The Alternative Press for Sussex County News and information, as well as news and information on The Alternative Press of Sussex County's Facebook Page.