There is good news for Atlantic Highlands taxpayers this year. At last weeks borough council meeting, a municipal budget was adopted that did not include a tax increase to our residents. In a year when municipalities throughout the county are facing double digit tax increases, Atlantic Highlands residents can breathe a sigh of relief.
The budget included some tough cuts while preserving many of the essential services that our citizens have come to expect. Led by Councilman Peter Doyle, the finance committee reviewed each line in the budget and maximized the contribution from the harbor. Among the highlights in the budget is a reduction in borough attorney fees by 25% and reinstituting the sidewalk program after a two year hiatus.
Like any budget, there are expenses that cannot easily be controlled. Specifically, the health care costs that challenge employers in both the private and public sector contributed to much of the spending increases. Additionally, money had to be set aside for professionals in the continuing fight for the McConnell property and the borough's COAH requirement.
Nonetheless, the Republican controlled council delivered a sound budget that taxpayers can be proud of. While he was unable to vote on the final budget, Democrat Councilman Carl Nolan as a member of the finance committee made a significant contribution towards holding the line against taxes. The fiscal house of Atlantic Highlands is the envy of many municipalities in the county this year.
