Video: Mayor’s 2016 budget introduction
By Kevin Coughlin
Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty handed the council a $52.1 million budget on Tuesday that he said will lower taxes, while still enabling the town to launch a traffic study, spruce up Washington Street, and hire a couple more cops.
The tax rate will be trimmed by $0.02; the Mayor estimated that will save about $70 a year for the owner of a home assessed at $354,000, the town average.
By a 6-0 vote (Councilwoman Alison Deeb was absent) the council agreed to introduce the spending plan, which is scheduled for a final vote on May 24, 2016, after members have had time to review it.
Although it’s the sixth straight year that Dougherty has presented a budget with no tax hike, residents will see their school taxes rise.
Someone owning a home assessed at the town’s average can expect to pay an extra $204 this year for public schools, according to the Morris School District.
The Mayor credited the town’s tax stability to “solid fiscal policies,” increased ratables from redevelopment projects, and a landmark settlement with the nonprofit parent organization of Morristown Medical Center, which agreed last year to pay millions in property taxes for the next decade.
“There are no one-time revenue gimmicks or appropriation deferrals in this budget,” he said.
Dougherty also praised town Administrator Jillian Barrick, who started the job last October.
“She hit the ground running and put this together in a couple of months. She did a great job. We’re in good financial shape.”
Dougherty, who may face a Democratic primary challenge from Councilwoman Michelle Dupree Harris if he seeks a third term next year, sounded like he’s already in campaign mode.
“I think my administration’s record speaks for itself. If the past seven years have proved anything, it is that we always are looking at costs while maintaining service, and we are always looking at increased revenue without burdening our taxpayers and foregoing our quality of life,” the Mayor told the council.
He said he revamped town operations after inheriting a “budgetary mess” with a $4 million shortfall in 2010.
Municipal expenses have been pared by $3 million since then, he said, and $20 million has been whittled from the town’s longterm debt.
After many years on the drawing board, the first phase of the Speedwell Avenue redevelopment has been built, along with a CVS pharmacy. Construction of Phase Two–more apartments–should begin shortly. Redevelopment of Market Street is under way, with DeHart Street expected to follow.
More than a dozen police have retired over the last few years, Dougherty noted. He wants to hire two replacements.
A proposed $3.4 million capital budget calls for maintenance of roads and sidewalks, park improvements, and streetscape projects with help from the Morristown Parking Authority and state grants, he said. This budget also would continue funding for a shade tree canopy program.
The Mayor said it’s citizens’ duty to stay engaged and maintain a town that is “safe, attractive, vibrant, welcoming and open.” Public servants must deliver services in a “professional, efficient and effective manner,” he added.
“Together, we will continue to transform Morristown into a place where people want to live, work, eat and shop for years to come,” Dougherty said.
Stay tuned for more about the Morristown 2016 budget.
