Vernon adopts 2015 budget

VERNON — The Vernon Township Council narrowly passed the 2015 budget on Monday, April 13.

Council members Dan Kadish and Jean Murphy voted against the $23,739,728 spending plan, which officials said did not call for a tax increase.

“We have passed a budget with a $2 million surplus; it’s too much.” Kadish said. “The Council has no oversight and the council is ultimately responsible.”

Jean Murphy, who questioned how Mayor Victor Marotta would spend funds, shared those concerns.

“If it’s in the budget, the Mayor can spend it," Murphy said. “The only oversight this Council has is the budget.”

Council President Patrick Rizzuto defended the budget and his decision in favoring its adoption by arguing that the council has a right to investigate financial decisions it feels are unwarranted.

“The council has the power to investigate, the power to issue subpoenas and to hire professionals to investigate," he said. "That is your oversight.”

During the public hearing, members of the public also questioned how funds were to be allocated in the upcoming year. The main concern was a large increase in the expenses for the mayor and council. Those funds were increased to $22,000, up significantly from last year’s budget.

“Salaries and expenses for the Mayor and Council went up, based on last year.” resident Gary Martinsen said. “You (the council) kept the same amounts, but, moved it to expenses.”

Martinsen went on to point out that the amount allocated last year for expenses was closer to $4,000 to $6,000.

“Three years of a budget with a tax decrease and a 4th year that is flat, I’m proud of this council.” said Councilman Brian Lynch said.