OK on spending plan set for May at earliest
The main talking point at most council meetings the past two months has been budget preparation. At the latest council meeting, the trend continued as township chief financial officer Colette Bachich addressed the community.
“The finance department is continuing on course for the 2019 budget preparations,” she said. “The expenditures have been reviewed, questioned and adjusted. Along with expenditures, the budget is comprised of revenues anticipated for this year. The finance department has reviewed the previous three or four years of revenues anticipated and the actual revenues realized to be accurate in the upcoming budget year.”
Bachich said the revenues vary from fees and permits, interest from home idle funds, state aid and other items that may be non-recurring.
“We are confident that we are anticipating revenues in order to cover all expenditures,” she said.
According to Bachich, the Washington Township annual financial report was drafted and is waiting on the state to make adjustments before it can be filed. She said there will be no penalties for not filing before March 11 because modifications were requested by the state.
“We are confident in the continuation of a fiscally sound and responsible surplus,” Bachich said. “Although the budget is almost at completion, we cannot begin the adoption process until May.”
Bachich reiterated the township will host small group budget meetings where residents can voice their concerns, ask questions or discuss ideas about the budget. The meeting dates are listed on the township website at www.twp.washington.nj.us.
In other news:
- Mayor Joann Gattinelli named Shirley Fique the employee of the month for March. Fique is one of the custodians at the Washington Township Police Department.
“This was brought to my attention from Chief [Pat Gurcsik]. Shirley is a model employee who works diligently. The police headquarters is open 24/7, houses our municipal court, encounters a steady stream of foot traffic and is the office building for approximately 100 employees. Shirley is an essential part of maintaining our building, keeping it clean, safe and orderly. She never complains about anything that is asked of her. She has a great initiative in organizing her tasks and performing them well. She’s well-liked and appreciated by our entire staff,” Gattinelli said.
- Gattinelli honored Tom Gilbert with an Eagle Scout proclamation as well.
“Thomas’ appreciation for the police encouraged him to plan and construct a paver area, two stone columns and a bench inscribed with the Gloucester County Police Academy’s motto ‘Education, Knowledge and Training.’”
The project was completed in July 2018. This January, he was selected for the Vigil Honor which is the highest honor the Order of the Arrow can bestow upon its members.
- Councilwoman Andra Pasquarella Williams said there will be a seminar presented by the Washington Township Public School District and municipal alliance called “Vaping Me Crazy” that will teach parents and community members about the dangers involved with vaping and juuling. The presentation is on April 4 at 7 p.m. at Washington Township High School’s 11/12 auditorium.
- Township clerk Leo Selb announced he is moving on from his position in Washington Township and going to a different municipality.
- The next council meeting is scheduled for March 27 at 7 p.m. at the municipal building.
