Technical Changes Delay Ramsey Budget

A few minor semantic changes requested by the state in its review of the Ramsey municipal budget is delaying its passage, borough officials announced at a meeting Wednesday night.

According to Councilwoman Vanessa Jachzel, who chaired the finance committee that put together this year’s budget, the state requested the town change the wording on two of the line items in the budget, re-advertise its public hearing and adoption – originally planned for Wednesday night – and officially adopt the budget later.

The changes will have no impact on the numbers, or the proposed tax increase, she said.

According to the council, the state requested it rename one line item in the budget entitled “Aid to Volunteer FD” to “Volunteer FD – Other Expenses.”

The amount of the item, $252,500, will not change. But, the council said the state puts a cap on the “Aid to Volunteer FD” category, which prompted the name change.

And, though the amounts will remain the same, the state also requested Ramsey transfer a $4,500 ‘Deficit from Swimming Pool’ category into the pool budget.

According to the council, the state reviews the town’s budget for issues like this every three years. Because the council made technical changes, it must hold another public hearing, now scheduled for May 8.

The budget's numbers remain unchanged, as the $22.8M spending plan still calls for a 1.89% tax increase over last year. If it's passed next month, the average resident will see a $39 increase in the municipal portion of his or her tax bill over last year.

Councilman Bill Jones expressed frustration at the need to re-advertise and push back the public hearing, calling the state's minor changes a "waste of taxpayer money."

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