The April 16 outcome was disappointing from the West Windsor Council on the budget for four reasons:
(1) Mr. Borek, Mr. Khanna, and Ms. Samonte voted to increase the municipal tax rate. Identified adjustments totaling about $450,000 out of a more than $37 million budget could have resulted in no increase for the municipal tax rate. Mr. Borek’s excuse for higher taxes was that he did not want to make any “bold moves.” The identified adjustments were a mere 1.2 percent of the budget and would not have curtailed any services or activities.
(2.) Although Ms. Samonte had voted in favor of the budget adjustments in an earlier vote on March 26, she changed her vote, citing opinions from the state Department of Community Affairs. These opinions were similar to those from the Mayor’s paid consulting firm.
(3.) While Ms. Samonte appeared to favor no increase in the tax rate, and even seemed to understand the facts Mr. Maher presented on the budget overestimating historical costs, underestimating historical revenues, and building too big of a reserve, Ms. Samonte still voted against the numerical facts and her own earlier March 26 vote.
(4.) Chairman Khanna permitted Attorney Herbert to become the effective Chair during much of the budget discussion. Attorney Herbert insisted on having Mr. Borek’s budget amendment from the Mayor voted on immediately without any discussion or consideration of alternatives. Repeated insistence by Ms. Geevers and Mr. Maher on the need for discussion and alternatives prior to voting finally prompted Mr. Khanna to resume the Chairmanship and permit such to happen. Unfortunately, Ms. Geevers’ amendment, which would have resulted in no increase in the municipal tax rate, was voted down by Mr. Khanna, Mr. Borek, and Ms. Samonte.
My family and I applaud Ms. Geevers and Mr. Maher for articulating the facts and striving for no increase in our municipal tax rate. It seems Mr. Khanna, Mr. Borek, and Ms. Samonte feel annual municipal tax rate increases are an 11th Commandment, even when the numbers do not support a tax rate increase.
Sandra Donovan
20 Sapphire Drive
