Pitman introduces 2024 municipal budget with 5‑cent tax‑rate increase; public hearing set Sept. 9

The Borough of Pitman Council on Sept. 4 introduced the 2024 municipal budget and authorized it to be read by title only under Resolution No. 131, 2024. Councilman Mazzola moved the resolution and Councilperson James seconded; Borough Chief Financial Officer Colette Bachich presented the document and its highlights.

CFO Colette Bachich summarized the budget's principal points: "Tax rate increase of 5 cents, for an average yearly increase of $119.38." She told council the budget uses $1.9 million in surplus (a smaller amount than used in 2023), noted the borough had no American Rescue Plan Act funds available in 2024 creating a $457,000 gap the budget must cover, and said the borough saved over $250,000 by using funds from prior capital ordinances rather than funding new capital projects in 2024.

Bachich outlined the timeline for the budget process: introduction Sept. 4, a public budget meeting scheduled for Sept. 9 from 6:00–7:00 p.m., and anticipated adoption Oct. 2. She explained the 28‑day minimum between introduction and adoption is required by state statute and said copies of budget documents will be made available to the public 10 days before the public hearing. Councilman Uyehara asked about the significance of the 28‑day period; Bachich said it allows council review and public access to the documents. Council President Fitzpatrick asked for a debt statement; Bachich said she would provide it. The surplus balance at the start of 2024 was stated as $3.3 million.

Council members were asked to forward budget questions in advance to ensure adequate time for staff to gather answers at the Sept. 9 meeting. The council opened the public portion at 1:28 p.m.; no members of the public spoke.