Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Pitman council reviews 2024 budget draft as CFO warns levy stays under 2%
Summary
Council reviewed the draft 2024 municipal budget, heard CFO Colette Bachich explain levy/appropriation 'banks' and deadlines, and discussed potential cuts to salaries, equipment and legal expenses ahead of an October 2 adoption; council set a Sept. 23 internal deadline to finalize the budget.
The Borough of Pitman Council reviewed its draft 2024 municipal budget at a Sept. 9 work session, with Borough CFO Colette Bachich outlining tax and appropriation limits and administrators flagging outstanding close‑out work.
"There are two levy banks — one is a cap for appropriations, and one is a cap for the tax levy," Bachich told council, adding that the tax levy increase is limited to 2% and that "The Borough will be under 2%." Council members pressed staff on salary increases, certification pay and other line items, and Administrator McCafferty said Finance still needs extensive work to update and close out 2024.
Councilwoman Milward proposed specific cuts — including police salaries, postage and training costs — while Councilman Mazzola cautioned against reducing legal and engineering budgets given ongoing redevelopment projects. Administrator McCafferty said previously used 'old ordinance' funds that offset legal expenses are waning and recommended caution on cuts that could stall active projects such as improvements to Sunset Auditorium and Lakeside Ave.
Council agreed to a schedule for finalizing the draft: staff asked council to settle the final version by Sept. 23 so paperwork can be prepared for adoption on Oct. 2. CFO Bachich requested that council members send any remaining questions in advance so staff can prepare answers.
