MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING
March 2, 2011

The Budget Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May was called to order by Mayor Kaithern at 1:00 PM.  The Open Public Meetings Statement was read by Mayor Kaithern who then led those present in the flag salute.  Mayor Pamela Kaithern, Deputy Mayor Peter Burke, and Commissioner Ramsey Geyer answered roll call.  Also in attendance:  Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Deputy Clerk Kate Kilian, and Borough Auditor Leon Costello.

Auditor Costello distributed budget packages to the Commissioners who reviewed it by line item, making alterations as needed.  As proposed, the budget complies with the State’s new 2% levy cap but would require a 1 cent tax increase based on the previous tax ratable base.  The actual tax increase will be more because the recent reassessment decreased the ratable base.  Leon Costello will make the changes to the budget that were suggested at the meeting and will prepare the necessary documents for introduction on March 9th with adoption scheduled for April 13th.    

There were no comments from the public but the reports present had several questions.  The answers are summarized below:

                                                            2011 as proposed                2010 as adopted     
Total Budget                                                 $2,139,306                         $2,316,156
Tax Rate (based on 2010 ratables)                      29.3                                      28.3      
Amount to be Raised by Taxes                 $1,510,730                         $1,459,376

Ratable Base: 2010 was $516 million; 2011 is $448 million

The meeting was adjourned at 2:18 PM on motion of Mayor Kaithern, seconded by Deputy Mayor Burke. 

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC