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Friday, February 29, 2008
2008 Atlantic County Budget Receives Unanimous Approval
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The 2008 Atlantic County budget was unanimously approved by the Board of Freeholders on February 26, 2008. The $176.7 million spending plan will decrease the average county tax rate for the eighth consecutive year, despite rising costs and declining revenues. The 2008 tax rate is the lowest in Atlantic County history.
County Executive Dennis Levinson, who introduced the plan on February 5, noted that this budget was particularly challenging due to significant cost increases in areas which the county does not control, such as pension costs and energy costs, as well as the impact of Atlantic City's casino property settlements on the county tax rate.
Levinson said the county's biggest challenge is to maintain the quality and efficiency of services with less funding and staff. "We have been successful thus far due to the dedication and forethought of this administration and the cooperation of county employees."
All nine freeholders acknowledged the administration, the financial staff and the budget committee that contributed to the fiscal plan.
Freeholder Frank Giordano called the budget a "shining star" and noted that while mandated costs and contractual obligations contribute to an increase in overall spending, individual departments have decreased their budgets.
Freeholder Alisa Cooper praised the administration for a thorough examination of areas where money could be saved and for promptly addressing freeholder questions and concerns.
"We are living in hard economic times," said Cooper. Taxpayers can be reassured that Atlantic County is keeping a watchful eye on how their money is spent and doing its best to maintain essential programs and services, she added.
Freeholder Joseph McDevitt cited the county executive's "pay to play" initiative as a good step in the right direction.
Levinson thanked the freeholder board, comprised of six Republicans and three Democrats, for their efforts.
"Our residents deserve our bipartisan cooperation in seeking solutions to difficult economic circumstances. I am pleased to report that is being achieved," he concluded. |
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