Mayor Space called to order a budget workshop meeting of the Wantage Township Committee on January 20, 2005, at the Wantage Municipal Building, 888 Route 23, Wantage, N. J.

Present: Mayor Space, Committee members Jeffrey Parrott and Bill DeBoer, Administrator Clerk James Doherty and CFO Michelle LaStarza.

Mayor Space announced this meeting is held in compliance with the New Jersey Open Public Meetings Act and has been properly advertised. He led those in attendance in the pledge of allegiance and salute to the flag.

The Township Committee then met with Construction Official, Ed Vanderberg, regarding clarification on the capital budget request of the Construction Department. The committee expressed consensus for the proposed plan and Mr. Vanderberg left the meeting.

INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 2005-05 (CAP)
Mr. Parrott made a motion to introduce on first reading, Ordinance 2005-05, entitled “ORDINANCE TO EXCEED THE MUNICIPAL BUDGET APPROPRIATION LIMITS AND TO ESTABLISH A CAP BANK (N.J.S.A. 40A: 4-45.14)”. Final Hearing date set for February 10, 2005. Mr. DeBoer seconded the motion.
Upon Roll call, Ayes: Space, DeBoer, Parrot. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

The Township Committee resumed budget review of the proposed capital expense plan in conjunction with its effect on the 2005 municipal tax rate with the Administrator, Mr. Jim Doherty. Mr. Doherty explained that long-range fiscal decisions involving permanent debt and the costs of the Revaluation program have raised the annual appropriations spending plan of the Township, and while utilizing more surplus will reduce the tax impact of these items, there remains a small impact on the tax structure. The committee expressed consensus for attempting to keep the municipal tax rate increase at approximately two-cents.

FINANCIAL RESOLUTIONS
Mr. DeBoer moved to approve the Resolution authorizing transfer of budget appropriation reserves, dated January 20, 2005. Mr. Parrott seconded the motion.
Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.

OPEN PUBLIC SESSION
Mayor Space opened the meeting to the public at this time for any questions or comments involving the good and welfare of the community. No one came forward. The meeting was closed to the public.

The Township Committee then met with George Papp Superintendent and School Board President Diane Rose, regarding the possibility of shared services in future endeavors. Based on a review of proposed capital spending plans of the School Board, the members of the governing body agreed to keep open the lines of communication with the school for any areas of potential savings to the taxpayers.

There being no further business to come before the governing body, Mr. Parrott made a motion, seconded by Mayor Parker, to adjourn. Upon roll call, Ayes: Space, DeBoer, Parrott. Nays: None. Abstain: None. Absent: None.
Mayor Space declared the meeting to be adjourned.

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James Doherty
Administrator Clerk