Commission Cuts Budget $2.3 Million Below State Cap
• Final Commission Session Last Night Before 2012 Election
May 2, 2012 – Nutley's four township commissioners last night at their final meeting of the current term complemented one another and agreed they'd all like to continue serving after next week's election. The final session of the current term featured the adoption of the 2012 town budget but not until another $66,000 was trimmed leaving a balance that falls $2.3 million below the state's allowable cap.
Finance Commissioner Tom Evans thanked his colleagues for their cooperative effort in adopting a reduced budge for the second year. Evans said all the costs resulting from the devastating ice. winds and snow storms of this past winter have been fully paid.
"We've accomplished a lot because of our teamwork," Evans said.
Mayor Mauro Tucci agreed. "Hopefully after the election we'll all have been returned."
The re-organization meeting of the commission will take place at noon on Tuesday, May 15. The first formal business session is scheduled that same evening at 7 o'clock. Traditionally, the selection of mayor occurs at the noon session.
The four commissioners will join five other contenders in a final candidates' night at 8 p.m. this Thursday at the Grace Church Hall on Highfield Lane. That event is co-sponsored by the Nutley Republican and Democrat Clubs.
Also on Thursday, Commissioner Alphonse Petracco encouraged participation in a "Hope for Nutley" event at 7 p.m. at the Walker Middle School. Petracco, who formed the Hope Committee in 2008, is asking both parents and students to attend. The Hope Committee Thursday will announce its plans to include pupils as young as fourth graders.
Public Works Commissioner Dr. Joseph Scarpelli last night announced contracts successfully have been finalized for roadway improvements and the marketing of recyclable materials. The contracts will not exceed $353,955, Dr. Scarpelli said. He also reminded that his department's overall budget has again been reduced for the coming year.
