MINUTES OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SPECIAL BUDGET MEETING
February 4, 2008

The Budget Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Borough of West Cape May was called to order by Mayor Kaithern at 5:30 PM.  The Open Public Meetings Statement was read by Mayor Kaithern who then led those present in the flag salute.  Mayor Pamela Kaithern and Commissioner Peter Burke answered roll call.  Also in attendance:  Borough Clerk Elaine Wallace, Borough Solicitor Jennifer Russo-Belles, Borough Auditor Leon Costello, and Borough CFO John Hansen.  Commissioner Dick Rigby was present via teleconference.

Auditor Costello distributed budget packages to the Commissioners who reviewed it by line item, making alterations as needed.  Mr. Costello explained that because of the emergency appropriations that had to be made for litigation, the 2008 budget is extremely limited.  The Borough will have to apply for a special waiver from the State for the increase in the 2008 budget.  The Borough will also have to adopt an ordinance to exceed the 1% CAP limitation.  Leon Costello will make the changes to the budget that were suggested at the meeting and will prepare the necessary documents for introduction on February 27th with adoption scheduled for March 26th.  Once the Commissioners were finished discussing the budget, Mayor Kaithern opened the meeting to public comment.

Joan Hodges, Shade Tree Commission secretary, asked how her Commission’s budget worked between the dedicated fund and the budgeted money.  Mayor Kaithern explained that the budgeted funds would only be used if the dedicated funds didn’t cover expenses.

When no one else from the public wished to speak, the meeting was adjourned at 6:53 PM on motion of Commissioner Burke, seconded by Commissioner Rigby.  

Respectfully submitted,

Elaine L. Wallace, RMC
Borough Clerk