Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller

$26.4 Million 2012 Borough Budget Includes No Increase in Property Tax

For the fourth year in a row, Princeton Borough’s proposed budget includes no increase in municipal property taxes. Borough Council voted unanimously last week to reintroduce a 2012 budget, which was scheduled for a final vote at last night’s meeting of the governing body [after press time].

On the expense side, there were some changes. The $26.4 million budget is $546,000 higher than the previous year. While funding for maintenance of sewers is decreased, it is increased slightly for health, fire services, and senior citizen programs. Maintenance of Princeton Public Library is up $45,883, which was attributed to a small budget increase and the fact that employees who used to park for free in the lot at the former Merwick facility now park at no cost in the parking deck adjacent to the library.

Councilman Kevin Wilkes suggested that library employees park on the top level of the garage, which is usually not crowded, so as not to take spaces away from paying customers on lower levels.

Representing the Borough’s affordable housing board, resident Anne Neumann described a loan program currently being researched by the board and suggested the Borough fund such an initiative. The program would help residents who are unable to pay their property taxes, which for many homeowners rose substantially due to recent property revaluations. Many seniors and residents of moderate income have been struggling to make payments, she said.

“Residents who receive these loans would be able to remain in their homes longer, near family and friends. They would not be forced to sell their homes in a down market,” Ms. Neumann said, adding that this type of initiative would be preferable to a reverse mortgage. The program would not cost the Borough anything, because interest would be charged on the loans.

Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller recalled that the idea of a loan program was not looked upon favorably by residents when it was suggested after the revaluation. Ms. Neumann responded that it would be important to explain to residents that a direct loan differs from a reverse mortgage program. Councilman Roger Martindell, who heads the finance committee, encouraged the development of such a program, but that it would need to be “fleshed out.”

Ms. Neumann suggested that Princeton University’s voluntary payments in lieu of taxes could be used to fund the program. Representing the University, Director of Community Affairs Kristin Appelget told the Council that it is up to them to determine how to make use of those funds, not including the $250,000 that was reserved for consolidation costs. Mr. Martindell suggested the Borough use the funds left in its affordable housing trust, which must be spent by the summer, to pay for a loan program.

Borough Names Four Representatives to Consolidation Transition Task Force

At a special meeting on January 17, Princeton Borough Council named four representatives to serve on the joint consolidation transition task force. Mark Freda, Hendricks Davis, and Brad Middlekauff were approved in a 5-1 vote by the governing body, with Jim Levine as an alternate.

Mr. Freda, former head of Princeton’s emergency services department, is director of site operations for Pfizer, Inc. in New York. Mr. Davis is the former executive director of the Princeton-Blairstown Center and Habitat for Humanity/Newark. Mr. Middlekauff is a lawyer, chief legal officer, general counsel, and secretary at Kolltan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Mr. Levine is director of compensation and benefits for Church & Dwight Co., Inc.

Councilwoman Barbara Trelstad, who served on the selection committee, said they tried to balance their choices with the representatives appointed by the Township earlier this month. She also suggested that all of the resumes be forwarded to the task force for future participation in subcommittees that will be formed.

“The Borough of Princeton is a really lucky place,” she said. “We had a superb pool of applicants.”

Councilman Roger Martindell was the one member to vote against the slate of candidates because he felt there were others who should have been considered. “I agree we have a superb pool of candidates, all 28 of them,” he said, also commending the committee who made the selection. “But I’m voting against it — not because any of these individuals are not good candidates. They are all good candidates. I’m voting against the motion.”

Mr. Martindell was particularly disturbed that candidates employed by Princeton University were disqualified from the process. “We didn’t interview anyone employed by the University and I think that was a mistake,” he said. “It shows a degree of arbitrariness, capriciousness, and unreasonableness that doesn’t really say much for the process …. If the process included a larger group than the original seven chosen in closed session, I would be much more enthusiastic.” He concluded, “I think we’re doing an expeditious job of moving forward. But as a whole, the process was deficient.”

Councilwoman Jenny Crumiller countered that Mr. Martindell had not made his position or preferences clear when the process was first discussed. She also faulted him for not complaining until after a decision had been made.

Councilwoman Heather Howard spoke in favor of the process. “The folks who were chosen represent the best of Princeton Borough,” she said. “We should be very proud of who we are nominating.”