Budget Cutting Suggestions, opinions,articles, etc

[novillero]

A little late for this year, but I figured perhaps an ongoing thread could be developed regarding budget cutting measures. I will start the thread with a whimper instead of a bang (as the thought for this thread came from a story with only a small savings).


Towns consider four-day weeks to battle costs
Several local townssay giving Fridays off has worked out well
By Meghan Van Dyk • Daily Record • July 14, 2008

Washington Township saved more than $1,000 in energy costs last year by closing town hall on Fridays during July and August.

With fuel and utility costs continuing to skyrocket, and the amount of state aid doled out to small municipalities such as Washington Township dwindling, officials say every penny counts.

That's why the township decided this year to extend its summer schedule -- from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday -- through August.

And it's not the only area municipality in Morris, Warren and Somerset counties considering shortening the work week this year to combat rising costs. Long Hill, Independence Township and Tewksbury all operate under similar summer hours.

Officials from some larger municipalities said they're looking into four-day work weeks, but they aren't ready to jump on the bandwagon just yet. Others say closing shop on Fridays would be a disservice to the public.

The trend seems to be gaining ground nationwide, if only on a discussion level. State government in Utah last month announced that its 17,000 workers would be putting in a four-by-10 work week, beginning in August. Officials in Oklahoma and counties throughout the nation also are looking into it.

The Long Hill Township Council passed a resolution on Wednesday to implement a pilot program of the shortened schedule starting next week through September. Municipal offices will be open between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays to coincide with night meetings.

Long Hill Mayor George Vitureira said he is hoping that the township would save 20 percent on energy costs, which total about $6,000 a month.

"The cost of energy is through the roof, so we needed to find some ways to save taxpayers' money," Vitureira said. "Tightening up hours allows us to keep utility use at a minimum, and it will give people a greater opportunity to get to town hall after 5 p.m. during the early part of the week."

Township officials will be reviewing energy bills after the trial period to decide whether to continue through the year, do it just over the summer or abandon it altogether.

In Washington Township, possibly the first municipality in the state to implement the four-day work week, the measure saved about $1,000 in energy costs during the seven-week summer period last year. This year, officials expect to save at least $2,000 to $3,000.

An extra bonus is the amount of money employees save on gas, not to mention the three-day weekend, said township Administrator Debbie Burd.

"None of the employees are complaining," Burd said. "The key is educating the public so they don't show up on a Friday."

In bigger municipalities such as Parsippany, Hanover and Roxbury, officials say they are looking at other means to cut energy costs, including installing solar panels and hiring consultants to perform energy audits.

"It hasn't come up in Hanover," Mayor Ron Francioli said. "We have a brand-new municipal building with a state-of-the-art HVAC system that regulates temperatures to save money. What we really need is a way to reduce gas prices."

For Parsippany Mayor Michael Luther, it comes down to public service, though he said the council has not weighed the issue.

"Citizens expect municipalities to be open five days a week," he said. "A lot of people do their business on Fridays."

Four-day work weeks are unlikely to be implemented on a county level in Morris for that reason, and because the county operates services including courts, a jail, a nursing home and a welfare center, said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni.

"I really believe that government is established to serve the people," Bonanni said. "The services and operations we provide are 24 hours. In a crunched economy, the services we provide are in demand even more."

Bonanni and county Clerk Joan Bramhall said there has been no talk of implementing four-day work weeks on the state level.

Mount Olive also is cutting back hours of its municipal hall on Fridays this summer -- but not to save money. Mayor David Scapicchio decided to allow workers to leave at 3 p.m. on Fridays even though they're on the time clock until 4:30 p.m.

"It keeps them happy and makes them enjoy coming to work, so they are more productive," Scapicchio said. "It's my way of rewarding employees, it's how I operate my own business, and I have found it goes a long way."

Scapicchio said he's apprehensive about closing altogether on Fridays because "it's government business -- someone should be there Monday through Friday."

In April, the Independence Township Committee passed a resolution to switch to a four-day work week indefinitely. The Warren County township's mayor, Robert Giordano, said officials have not received a single complaint.

"It's been fantastic," Giordano said. "It's saving taxpayers money. Who can complain about that?"

Meghan Van Dyk can be reached at [phone] or [e-mail].



www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080714/COMMUNITIES47/807140314/1203

[admin]

I like this thread and for that reason, I have stickied it. I hope that others will chime in and place their suggestions.

I will mention one thing. I obtained a copy of the budget and placed it in the hands of a non partisan entity for review. The people looking at it will have a better idea of what they are looking at than me. I hope to gain a better understanding of what is in the budget and will share what is found.

[stffgpr2003]

will mention one thing. I obtained a copy of the budget and placed it in the hands of a non partisan entity for review. The people looking at it will have a better idea of what they are looking at than me. I hope to gain a better understanding of what is in the budget and will share what is found.

Brian:

I am anxious to hear what suggestions this individual has to offer. The non-partisan status is great, but actually a little less important than one's credentials suggesting an educated understanding - specifically - of municipal budgets. I have lots of experience working with even larger corporate budgets and can tell you there is still a huge difference between the private and public sector budgetary process.

Nonetheless, there may be value in what might be shared with regard to certain line items. I am very interested hearing more.

Brian, you were at the recent budget hearing and heard my comments regarding future budgets. My suggestions regarded determining potential savings in energy costs (while going "green," at the same time), sharing more of the health insurance costs with employees wherever possible; targeted department budgetary cuts (5-10%) with bonuses for goal attainment; quarterly budget reviews to better guide revenue projections, spending and to suggest possible savings, etc.

Do you think that any of these ideas are worthwhile considering?

Your views are appreciated. Thanks.

Marc

[richardkelsey]

Jul 14, 2008 10:19:10 GMT -5 admin said:

I like this thread and for that reason, I have stickied it. I hope that others will chime in and place their suggestions.

I will mention one thing. I obtained a copy of the budget and placed it in the hands of a non partisan entity for review. The people looking at it will have a better idea of what they are looking at than me. I hope to gain a better understanding of what is in the budget and will share what is found.

The problem with most "non-partisan" entities or Boards, is they are either appointed by partisans, or have serving on them people who only used to be partisan. Just an observation.


Now -- I don't want to get wrongly accused of interfering with Freehold public policy, but I have a suggestion that I have been pushing to VA state law makers -- it was also a suggestion I made in my last unsuccessful run for elective office. It was popular among many people, not withstanding my loser status.

My plan is to empower government employees, rather than department heads to find, and suggest cuts within departments. This would be to find duplication of services, services that are not working well, serving many, or too costly for the benefit, or simply no longer needed. In addition, it would be to find synergies for combining services and boosting production.

The concept was to have employees in certain departments make written explanation of the recommend cut or change as part of the budget process. If accepted, the employee would be entitled to a 1 time 10% bonus. The bonus would be 10% of the savings of the cut. So, if the employee -- presumably an expert in his or her Government position, recommended a 10K cut and savings, which everyone agrees would be worthwhile, the item would be cut and the employee would get a $1000 bonus.

Now -- this was designed for much larger governments with much, much bigger budgets. Having said that, my idea came from the following.

1) Across the board cuts are dumb. They are the lazy politicians way to avoid government oversight. They often do not cut enough in some places, too much in others, and provide cuts where, believe it or not, increases would be justified.

2) Asking a department head for a budget is against his or her self interest. Government, not because it is evil but because it is run by humans, looks for self-preservation and for growth and security. Who can blame people. No one wants to go back and say, hey boys, this year, we don't need as much money to do our job. Turns out we have been wasting it -- and we need less. Never going to happen.

3) Providing incentives works as a general proposition.

4) Getting the recommendations from employees allows you to empower employees while taking advantage of their particular expertise in the job or service they are providing.

5) The program invests the employees in thinking about efficiency and service delivery, which is good.

Anyway -- I envisioned that the recommendations could be made, in writing, 30 days prior to the first yearly budget meetings -- and they could then be reviewed by the governing body -- with follow-up questions on specifics. Those cuts or changes that seemed in the best interest of the service to be provided would be line item approved, and real savings would be made, minus the employee bonus incentive.

[lisas84]

Richard,

I absolutely agree with your premise -- empower employees to take part in the solution. I worked for a publisher who would reward his employees for doing just that -- he would give $100 to each employee who suggested viable ways of cutting extraneous costs or saving resources after they were implemented and shown to work. Company morale was high and so was the quality of the workplace and the product (magazines).

[misterpr1981]

I also agree. I am all for positive reinforcement. Back when I worked for someone else, when I first started there, it was all about positive comments (but constructive criticism), retreats (softball, bowling, dinners) and other things that made everyone enjoy working there. Then a lot of that stopped and you could tell the company started going downhill pretty quickly. People would talk badly about others, about the company and about their jobs. And the company suffered.

Don't diminish constructive criticism, but at the same time, always make people feel good about what they're doing. I think that's why my company has done so well thus far as well.

[stffgpr2003]

Done. Wow -- in re-reading that thread, it sure did go south in a hurry. I started it in defense of Steven -- and it appears to have ended with me being on the receiving end of Marc's ire.

Rich:

You didn't receive any "ire" from me. I was most angry with THE CROCK MONSTER (I call him/her that) and disappointed with Andrew's follow-up post to Steven AFTER Brian and Lisa "put the beastie down" by deleting its flaming posts! But, you were one of the few "gentleman" in this particular escapade. Steven recognizes and appreciates this too.

Thank you.

Marc

[novillero]

Jul 14, 2008 8:59:40 GMT -5 wlisa54 said:

$1,000 down, $849,000 to go.

yes, it's a small amount, but it has a population of 17,000 and is 45 square miles (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Township,_Morris_County,_New_Jersey)

and it's not a small budget: www.wtmorris.org/PDF/meetings/2008/2008budget.pdf

are they wasting their time with such a small savings, or should they be commended for saving whenever and wherever they can?

modification to original post: looking at the budget, salaries for town council for 2007 were $2,500 collectively (see sheet 12, considered to be a $500 stipend, not a salary). The council member decided to forego their stipends completely in 2008.

[novillero]

Posted on Sun, Jul. 13, 2008
The Philadelphia Inquirer

S. Jersey towns look for answers as aid drops
Reduced support from the state means tax increases in some municipalities, but the situation looked worse in an earlier proposal.
By Adrienne Lu and Jonathan Tamari

Inquirer Trenton Bureau

Just like many residents, municipalities across New Jersey are struggling to pay their bills.
Fuel costs are up, as are state-mandated contributions to employee pensions and libraries, among other areas. The cost of health insurance continues to soar.

Local officials received one more piece of ugly news when they learned exactly how much - or, in their eyes, how little - aid they can expect from Trenton.

New Jersey towns will receive $1.8 billion this year, down about $162 million, or 8 percent, from last year. Many mayors say the hit inevitably will reach into residents' wallets, with falling state support translating into higher property taxes, service cuts, or both.

"We're at the bottom of the food chain," Gloucester Township Mayor Cindy Rau-Hatton said. "There's no one else to pass the costs on to."

Municipalities are among several groups feeling the impact after Gov. Corzine and the Legislature cut the state budget by $600 million, to $32.9 billion.

Only four towns can expect an increase in the primary form of state support. For the rest, cuts will range from hundredths of a percent to 35 percent.

"It's really a perfect storm this year," said Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D., Gloucester), who, as both a legislator and the mayor of Washington Township, sees the issue from both perspectives.

He said Washington Township would trim its budget by $1.4 million this year, yet still need to raise taxes because revenue - including state aid - is down.

The town will lose $442,168 in the main category of municipal aid, or 10 percent.

Moriarty has introduced a township budget that would increase the municipal portion of the average property-tax bill by about $101. The average total tax bill is a little more than $6,000, he said.

"I understand the situation the state is in from being in the Legislature," Moriarty said. "I don't believe it's the wise thing to do to just turn around and put that tax burden on all the municipalities."

He said he had voted in favor of the state budget despite reservations about the aid cuts because it was a particularly difficult year, when many entities did not receive as much support as they wanted.

Cuts also hit hospitals, colleges and property-tax rebates, and co-pays were increased for a senior-citizen prescription program.

Corzine argues that New Jersey residents are clamoring for smaller government. As the state cuts back, he argues, mayors should do the same.

Municipal governments spent $11.2 billion in 2007, according to the state Department of Community affairs. The municipal-aid cuts amount to about 1.5 percent of that total.

"If they can't find that within their budget, they're not trying hard enough," Assembly Budget Chairman Louis Greenwald (D., Camden) said.

Corzine has noted that his spending plan also includes $540 million in additional money for public schools, which account for the largest piece of property-tax bills.

That should help the bottom line for taxpayers, he has said.

Like Moriarty, Assemblyman John Burzichelli (D., Gloucester) has a complex view of the issue. He sits on the Assembly Budget Committee and supported the idea that state government needed a diet.

But he is also mayor of Paulsboro, a borough of roughly 6,000, and voting for the budget meant supporting a plan that cost his community $222,516 in aid, a quarter of its state support.

After joining the many voices decrying Corzine's initial plan to target small towns, and seeing some aid restored, Burzichelli, too, supported the budget.

"I don't know that we have a catastrophe anywhere because of it. We have more pain, but getting the state's financial house in order is something that has to be done," he said.

Corzine pulled back from the more radical cuts he initially proposed so that no town would require more than a potential $100 average tax hike due to lost aid.

In Paulsboro, municipal taxes are expected to rise an average of about $80. That was due more to a massive tax appeal than aid cuts, Burzichelli said.

"When we finished with this budget, I was satisfied that, first of all, the budget was sending the right message and that the communities I represent could survive without upheaval," he said.

But he added that tax increases, even relatively small ones, weren't the only grind on residents. There are also gas prices, food costs, and a grim economy.

"You've got all these things contributing simultaneously to a mood out there that's at a very, very low ebb, in my opinion," Burzichelli said.

The cuts left some South Jersey towns scrambling for ways to pinch pennies.

Cherry Hill, which lost $779,073 in the main category of state aid, laid off five full-time employees in May, bringing staffing to a seven-year low, township spokesman Dan Keashen said. Under a new contract, employees will contribute toward their health insurance for the first time.

Cherry Hill also shares or will share services with the fire district, school district and neighboring municipalities and has signed up for a recycling program it estimates will save taxpayers $2 million over five years, Keashen said.

Rau-Hatton said a cut of $581,302, or 8 percent, in the main category of state support for Gloucester Township would be "devastating."

The township's budget last year was $43 million.

Township employees have shifted to a four-day workweek to save money, but Rau-Hatton said more cuts lay ahead.

"We're going to have to start looking at programs and deciding if they're essential," she said.

Smaller towns bristled at being singled out in Corzine's initial budget proposal, which he said had been meant to encourage service sharing and efficiency. Some mayors said their towns ran more economically than their larger peers.

Pemberton Borough Mayor F. Lyman Simpkins said his clerk "has eight jobs," including secretary and code enforcement officer.

The budget for his borough of about 1,500 is $1.3 million.

When steeper cuts were first proposed, Simpkins tapped the borough surplus, using $195,000 to keep taxes flat.

Now that the initial reductions were scaled back, Pemberton still faces a 31 percent loss of $57,852, but Simpkins said his residents could expect a municipal tax cut.

"We are one of those small towns that they cry cost the state money, but we know how to do things here," Simpkins said. "We could show them how to run the state."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact staff writer Jonathan Tamari at 609-989-9016 or [e-mail].

www.philly.com/inquirer/local/nj/20080713_S__Jersey_towns_look_for_answers_as_aid_drops.html

[admin]

Jul 14, 2008 11:04:08 GMT -5 @stffgpr2003 said:

will mention one thing. I obtained a copy of the budget and placed it in the hands of a non partisan entity for review. The people looking at it will have a better idea of what they are looking at than me. I hope to gain a better understanding of what is in the budget and will share what is found.

Brian:



Brian, you were at the recent budget hearing and heard my comments regarding future budgets. My suggestions regarded determining potential savings in energy costs (while going "green," at the same time), sharing more of the health insurance costs with employees wherever possible; targeted department budgetary cuts (5-10%) with bonuses for goal attainment; quarterly budget reviews to better guide revenue projections, spending and to suggest possible savings, etc.

Do you think that any of these ideas are worthwhile considering?

Your views are appreciated. Thanks.

Marc

I think all of what you mention is well worth considering. I will add something else and I am not sure just how much it applies to FB.

Being aware of how government works from an insiders stance, I am am aware of the "use it or lose it" mentality when it comes to various budgets. What that translates to is that any given budget is spent even if it is not needed. I have always considered this a back wards mentality and one that begs true review of the budgetary needs of all departments. The fear of a department may be that if they lose money, they may need it again next year and will not have it.

There has got to be a way to correct this train of thought so that budgetary needs are met, and money is not just being spent for the purpose of spending it.

[admin]

Jul 14, 2008 11:42:38 GMT -5 richardkelsey said:

Jul 14, 2008 10:19:10 GMT -5 admin said:

I like this thread and for that reason, I have stickied it. I hope that others will chime in and place their suggestions.

I will mention one thing. I obtained a copy of the budget and placed it in the hands of a non partisan entity for review. The people looking at it will have a better idea of what they are looking at than me. I hope to gain a better understanding of what is in the budget and will share what is found.

The problem with most "non-partisan" entities or Boards, is they are either appointed by partisans, or have serving on them people who only used to be partisan. Just an observation.

When I mentioned non partisan, it is in the context that the people I mention are not affiliated with either local party, nor will they be. Yes, we all have our political slants and for that reason we are all partisans. I have simply found people who are honest, neutral, and do know what they are looking at.

[novillero]

Paying attention to articles on budgets recently, it seems that 4 day work weeks are getting some attention. Here is an article about Parsipanny contemplating it:

www.dailyrecord.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080716/COMMUNITIES38/807160390/1005/NEWS01

Parsippany mayor weighs four-day work schedule
Long Hill to save 20% on energy; Washington Twp. expects savings up to $3kBy Rob Jennings • Daily Record • July 16, 2008

PARSIPPANY -- Mayor Michael Luther said Monday he is reviewing but has not formed an opinion on implementing a four-day municipal work week.

Amid rising fuel and utility costs, some Morris County towns are weighing a move to a shorter work week to save money. The Long Hill council passed a resolution last Wednesday to implement a four-day schedule through September. Washington Township has such a program now for the second consecutive summer.

"It's an issue that's been coming up," Luther said. Luther said township business administrator Jasmine Lim is researching the issue, in part by discussing potential cost savings with department heads.

Luther said he had several questions, as well.

"How does it impact the operations? I don't see parks and forestry during the summer being able to cut back a day. I don't think the community center would close for a fifth day for the seniors," Luther said. "Is it going to be worth the inconveniences of interruptions from service?" he said.

The issue of public service makes it unlikely that a four-day work week will be implemented at the Morris County level. The county operates services including courts, a jail, a nursing home and a welfare center, said Morris County Administrator John Bonanni.

Long Hill Mayor George Vitureira said last week that he is hoping the town will save 20 percent on energy costs, which now total about $6,000 per month. Municipal offices will have longer hours but will be closed on Fridays. Washington Township officials expect to save at least $2,000 to $3,000 with a similar summer schedule. With fuel and utility costs skyrocketing, and the amount of state aid dwindling, officials said, every penny counts.

Daily Record staff writer Meghan Van Dyk contributed to this story. Rob Jennings can be reached at [phone]. or [e-mail].

[novillero]

Okay, maybe this thread should read 4 day work week, not budget cutting suggestions...

Matawan to shut offices Fridays to save money
By Sametta M. Thompson • KEYPORT BUREAU • July 18, 2008


MATAWAN — With continuing increases in energy costs and reduced state aid, the borough has decided it can save money by shutting down some government offices on Fridays.

The change, which begins next week, does not affect public works, police, fire and first aid services.

About 20 full- and part-time employees in the administration, clerk, finance, tax collection, construction and recreation offices will now work between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday instead of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. five days a week. That policy is effective until the last week of September.

"The operating hours of the borough will be adjusted to provide the same level of service to the residents of Matawan," Mayor Paul Buccellato said. "We're hoping to achieve a substantial cost savings that will help the borough through this difficult time."

The idea is not unique to Matawan.

William G. Dressel Jr., executive director of the New Jersey State League of Municipalities, said at least a half dozen other towns have adopted the four-day work week.

"Given the dramatic reductions in state aid costs, given the recent dramatic increase in energy costs and fuel costs and other mandated costs that the state Legislature has been unable to deal with like pension costs, medical costs . . . local officials have to look at all options," Dressel said. "It's a new strategy on how to reduce fuel and energy costs."

In Matawan, a borough of about 9,000 residents, council members unanimously agreed at a workshop meeting in June to try the practice, he said. The air conditioning setting will be raised and lights in the building at 201 Broad St., except for emergency lighting, will be turned off, he said.

Buccellato said he doesn't know exactly how much money the borough will be able to save, but said it's an experiment.

Chief Financial Officer Monica Antista was not available Thursday to provide the borough's monthly utility bill.

Gloucester Township in Camden County, which has a population of approximately 65,000 residents, started its four-day work week on June 30.

Beginning June 23 through Aug. 21, the Southern Regional School District in Ocean County will operate on a four-day work week schedule to save energy costs.

Dressel said from all indications, the policy appears to be working well in those municipalities that have adopted the plan. However, he said, it's only been in effect for approximately a month or two at the most. So, he said, more time is needed to assess those towns' experiences.

"This is not an option that everyone is going to embrace because you have to look at the level and the quality of services that you can provide in a four-day work week as opposed to a five-day work week," Dressel said.

Matawan Councilman Joseph "Bud" Mullaney said the council has had many discussions about the issue, and he hopes the technique is going to save the borough a substantial amount of money.

"The concerns that I have is of how much inconvenience it's going to be for our constituents — but we have to try," he said. "We have to think green, and hopefully it's going to work out . . . Let's give it a positive shot."

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080718/NEWS/807180454/1284/LOCAL08

[novillero]

Several good suggestions, the first suggestion was certainly thinking out of the box.

Cherry Hill mayor gets an earfulBy ADAM SMELTZ • Courier-Post Staff • July 25, 2008

CHERRY HILL — Mayor Bernie Platt asked Cherry Hill residents "to think outside the box" in suggesting how to cut township expenses.

Thursday night, resident Bob Esposito asked Platt to leave the box entirely.

"I'm asking you to retire and tell all the other (department) heads to retire, and tell the seconds-in-command to take over," Esposito said at a town hall meeting at Temple Beth Sholom.

Esposito said the idea would amount to a "supreme sacrifice" by the mayor, but added that it could bring some savings for taxpayers. A different mayor, Esposito said, might require fewer aides and create more efficiency.

That was among the more dramatic suggestions that residents made Thursday. Platt planned the meeting -- the first of three public forums -- to spark discussion about municipal finances and how best to control them. About 10 people of the 50 in attendance spoke.

"I'm looking for the residents of the community to tell us what they want," Platt said before the forum. "If they want us to cut services, we'll cut services. If they want us to increase services, we'll increase services."

Among the ideas that residents floated Thursday:

Reduce heat in township facilities during winter.

Consider trimming or eliminating compensation for council members.

Lobby for the state to return some portion of sales tax revenue to the township.

Limit spending growth to the national inflation rate.

Combine township and schools maintenance staffs.

Strengthen enforcement of permit ordinances and speed laws.

Join forces with another municipality and produce a joint Fourth of July fireworks show.

Platt estimated that he had received about a half-dozen other suggestions by phone and e-mail. Those included outsourcing some maintenance services, decreasing some mailings and cutting back recyclable collections.

"I think you should be thinking more about running the place like a household," said resident Ben Fishlevich. " . . . The point here is not to use a credit card."

The township in May announced a 22 percent tax increase for the 2009 fiscal year, which began July 1. That would mean an additional $150 a year in property taxes for the owner of a typical home assessed at $140,000.

A variety of factors are to blame for the tax increase, including a $1 million cut in state aid, an extra $700,000 for state pension payments, a $1 million increase in insurance premiums, and an expected slippage in revenue, township officials have said. The tax levy -- the amount that residents pay into the budget -- is expected to rise from $29 million in fiscal 2008 to about $35 million.

Officials said they're hoping to lessen that burden before the tax bills go out in January. Five workers have been laid off since April, trimming the work force to 338, spokesman Dan Keashen said.

Platt plans to host two more forums. Dates have not been set.

Reach Adam Smeltz at [phone] or [e-mail]

Send a letter to the editor

[novillero]

cutting even the smallest of expenses...

NJ wipes out 2009, at least on paper
BY TOM HESTER JR. • ASSOCIATED PRESS WRITER • July 24, 2008

TRENTON — New Jersey's budget crunch is so bad that it's even wiped out 2009 -- at least on paper.

The state has told employees they won't be getting paper calendars for next year.

The move will save an estimated $180,000.

"The Division of Purchase and Property has determined that, given the current budget austerity and the universal availability of online calendars and calendar software, it is inappropriate for the state to encourage continued use of paper calendars,'' a notice sent to state employees said.

Thus, according to the notice, the state will no longer supply items ranging from desk calendars to pocket calendars to appointment books.

"We encourage all state agencies to maximize their use of electronic calendars,'' the notice stated.

Rae Roeder, president of Communications Workers of America Local 1033, which represents 6,200 state workers, said paper calendars are important for people to have on their desks to help readily keep track of what they're involved in.

She said the administration could instead save $180,000 by eliminating patronage jobs.

"Instead we want to save money by not giving people paper calendars,'' Roeder said. ""Oh, whoopee. This is foolishness, absolute foolishness.''

The move comes about a month after Democratic Gov. Corzine signed a $32.8 billion budget that included $2.9 billion in cuts amid economic woes and chronic state fiscal problems.

The budget cut spending for property tax rebates, colleges, municipalities, hospitals and nursing homes, among other areas.

Treasury Department spokesman Tom Vincz said more and more documents that used to be published in large numbers are now just Web-based.

"There are many painful cuts behind $2.9 billion in total reductions in '09,'' Vincz said. "This reduction is not painful but helps to minimize the impact of an austere budget on programs and services on which the public depends.''
www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080724/NEWS/80724064