Just some numbers.... based upon 2010 Budget...

Salary & Wages... 30.0 million
Health.... 9.4 million
Statutory (pension, SS, etc)... 6.9 million
Emp Group.. 1.2 million
Workers Comp... 1.1million

Total employee cost... $48.6 million
If 45% of employees are cut, that results in 21.9 million savings (approximately)

In 2010, 80.4 million budget.... with 21.9 million savings... we should be getting a heck of a tax DECREASE!!!!

TO BRICK GUY, IF YOUR UNDERWATER ON YOUR HOME'S VALUE, NOT MY PROBLEM. I'M NOT VOTING FOR A TAX INCREASE TO SUSTAIN MY HOME'S VALUE. HIGHER TAXES WILL SCARE AWAY A POTENTIAL BUYER FOR YOUR HOME FASTER THAN PRIVATE TRASH COLLECTION OR OTHER CURTAILED SERVICES. LOOK AT LAKEWOOD. AN OUT OF CONTROL TAX RATE HAS SCARED MOST PEOPLE FROM BUYING THERE. RE-DO YOUR MATH. WE'VE BEEN HERE FOR 65 YEARS. WE'VE SEEN THIS BEFORE. VOTE NO

Well I havent been here for 65 years but I do know this. I know people in the surrounding towns and they pay more in property tax than we do in Brick. So Im not willing to pay more for less. My vote of yes will cancel out yours of no so the remaining people will decide I suppose.

i also own a home in toms river,almost the same age as my home in brick, both are 3 bedroom ranches. the t.r. house sits on almost 2 acres. my taxes are $500 less. their tax rate in toms river is 30 cents per hundred less than brick and has to povide services for 92000 resdidents. brick has roughly 78000 residents. not to mention my property there is zoned residential and business, making it much more valuable and assessed at 100k higher than my brick home. so explain to me why you feel brick's tax rate is low???? maybe compared to bergen county the wealthiest county in the state.

you know since we are going to have township paid ice skating lessons thru our rec. dept. maybe mayor steve could hire tonya harding to teach the skating lessons. you know her motto: break a leg !!!!!! or bust...

good question, i too thought this was going to be a big revenue generator. maybe the red lite camera is really running in the red!!!! thanks mayor steve. another money loosing proposition like trader's cove.

Spot on eric...
Vote NO to any referendum..
When November rolls around... vote for a new council to CLEAN house!!!

I find it interesting that all the rec programs stayed... but no garbage collection!!

and of course... Juan Bellu still has a job at 150K. I wonder how many other people are going to get a significant jump in salary... oh, well he is doing 2 jobs so we are giving the 2nd salary to him also... yeh right... that doesn't happen in corporate america.

eric is right, it's scare tactics the administration is relying on to get this passed. JUST REMEBER FOLKS, THE LAW STATES THAT THIS BALLOT QUESTION NEEDS 60 PERCENT OF THE VOTE TO PASS. i can't see that happening. vote no and send our township administration a clear message of our disapproval of the way their managing our town !!!!!!! it's time this mayor gets on the same page as the governor he campaigned for.

Disgusted, I feel your frustration but I dont think that cutting services which according to Scott only are 27% of our tax bill is the answer to sending a message. Messages should be saved for November. Services get cut we suffer not the politicians, they move on to their next position. I firmily believe that a cut in services will negative impact on property values in which case again we lose. Cooler heads will prevail.

I can't believe you people think this is a scare tactic. When the refrendum fails and your taxes go up the 2% plus you have to pay for your garbage pick-up ( which will equal a larger increase for most) along with the other services that will be cut, don't waste your time coming back to this site to post your complaints because you are getting exactly what you deserve. Maybe you should all pay attention and get the facts then your comments would be based on educated opinions instead of uninformed emotion. By the way, if Brickguy is the mayor, why would he say that messages should be sent in November. Lets get real people. Only in AMERICA could there be a outlet for people to show their stupidity. No wonder the rest of the world is passing us by!!!!!

Can i put lights on my leaf pile at Christmas this year?

our family has lived in brick for over 65 yrs. my parents are rolling over in their graves seeing how poorly this administration has managed the towns finances. wake up people, remeber the poor snow removal of the last 2 years ????? do you think by voting yes, any of this will get better???? no. the mayor will keep getting his 2 huge public paychecks, pension benefits ans caddilac health benefits while our families struggle along. and how much do you think they will ask us for next year at budget time???? how many more millions will they want in the spring of 2012 when they start their crying all over again that they need more money to make the payroll. start by getting rid of this clown juan bellu and save 150 grand a year right there in 1 shot. it's a position the town doesn't need. get rid of the health insurance package for all 7 PART TIME council members.1 councilman gets his yearly 8 0r 9 thousand council salary and $21,000 in family health insurance from brick. this way he doesn'y have to pay for it on his day job. and why are township police oddicers only paying eigth tenths of 1 percent of their salary towards their health pkg???? other township workers are paying 1and a half percent towards theirs. another sweetheart contract for the PBA courtesy of this administration when our mayor was running for office. we surely need a clean sweep of this administration, everyone get your brooms ready !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree...
Scare tactics... bully... condescending... arrogant... that's Acropolis...
Time to go Acropolis...
171 people is at least a $20million savings... who is he kidding.

maybe Acropolis should give up his money and benifits and stop picking on the union people who already gave back once to keep there jobs. just wait...what goes around comes around and i hope the councel and our mayor get what they deserve and stop picking on the hard working people og Brick Township. WAKE UP MAYOR ACROPOLIS AND SEE WHAT YOU ARE DOING TO "OUR"TOWN.

we definitely need a clean sweep in november. VOTE OUT ALL FOUR INCUMBENT COUNCIL MEMBERS WHO ARE UP FOR RE-ELECTION: THULEN, SCATURRO,MATTHEWS AND DELUCA. (DELUCA ALREADY HAS HIS OTHER PUBLIC JOB AT THE LAKEWOOD DMV LINED UP)

Clam,
Last year was a 5.5 cent increase... about 170 per average home. I believe average value of Brick home is $310,000.
At 9.9 cent... that is $307/average home... totals 477 in 2 years for average home or about 25% increase in 2 years.

You could see this coming with the last 10 years of capital spending and playing games around the CAP... over 100million in debt... debt service is over 11million/yr... 30% higher than Toms River.

I'm ok with saying No... and paying for garbage separately if that what it takes to wake people up to bring in fresh blood... a new council... and new mayor.

Sorry to go on, but next the next message put out may be that our auto cans used for trash removal may not be useable with many outside contractors and we'll need to go out and buy our own new trash cans.

What will happen w/ our fleet of garbage trucks will we sell them or lease them out? Will we need them for snow removal? Is it worth keeping trucks in fleet for 4 months out of the year between some leaf p/ups,snow removal and Christmas tree removal, that's a lot of insurance and maintence just to wait for snowfall which may or may not happen. I don't believe trash removal services are at risk. Personally, if people can buy trees for Christmas and bring them home, they can pack them up and bring them for recycling themselves.

It's time to roll up the sleeves and get down and dirty with everyone.

Clam,
What IS interesting... they are cutting parks/rec maintenance... no problem.. they can hire a contractor for 1/2 the cost..
It isn't put to bid yet!!!
Rec... same thing... 2 weeks ago... they put to bid ice skating lessons and intro to ice hockey... ridiculous I know... but that is the wasteful spending we are seeing.
and I don't believe trash removal is at risk either... but, if you were negotiating and wanted to scare the people... you cut certain things people will clamor for (seniors)... hoping the rest will come along..

smoke and mirrors...
I want to see a proposed budget... similar to 2010 budget to compare... not some bogus powerpoint presentation by Acropolis.

Yes cutting parks /rec amint.....didn't the townjust spend tons of $$$ completely redoing all the playgrounds in town and now there won't be anyone to "maintain" them or clean them up? I find that hard to believe, these were the mayor's pet projects. I cannot believe this will happen.

There have been good things brought up which I beleive can be used to help things in line.

That audit was the worst analysis I have seen in my entire life!!!
Don't get me started...
In year 2000, entire police department (officers + civilians) was 147.... total major crime... 1607 and population about 76,000.
In 2009, entire police department was 171... total major crime was 1515... and population was a hair over 75,000.
That is 1 crime per officer per month!!!
There is however, too many chiefs not enough indians in the police department...the most recent promotions were not necessary especially if you are downsizing the force..

Just another piece of credibility problems with the mayor.

patchem, That's your opinion and you are entitled to it. The police dept is over staffed and over paid.

Someone recently brought up, if all the jobs intown are based on salary, why is there the need for overtime? It's because someone didn't stand & fight when contracts were being written. There is no overtime while you are a salaried employee.

well, if they can withdraw the contract and suspend all work or as much work as possible they can save $2mil right there. right now it's about priorities. If we withdraw the contract, we may need to pay a fince or fee but i can't see it being more than 10%.

The marina funding that is not covered under grants would most likely come out of the capital budget, which is separate from the operating budget. I'll check with Mr. Pezarras for the details on this, but I do know for a fact that you cannot borrow or use funds from the capital budget to fund your operating budget. They are totally separate in that respect.

Any capital spending and debt service is "outside of cap"...
apples & oranges...
has no impact on the 2%... however, Brick can meet the 2% for operating budget and still increase your taxes 5% for instance because of things outside of cap such as capital spending, debt service, healthcare increasing more than 2%, etc.

SELL TRADER'S COVE AND PUT IT BACK ON THE TAX ROLLS!!!! IT'S BECOMING A BOTTOMLESS PIT OF SPENDING OUR TAX DOLLARS. WE DON'T NEED IT.THAT MONEY WOULD BALANCE OUR BUDGET.
LOOK AT THE OLD FOODTOWN. WE FINALLY SOLD IT. THE BUILDING GETS DEMOLISHED AND THE NEW OWNERS ONLY HAVE TO PAY PROPERTY TAX ON THE EMPTY LAND NOW. THAT'S THE LAW. NO WORK IS GOING ON THERE, NOT EVEN A GROUNDBREAKING!!!! HOW LONG WILL THE EMPTY LOT SIT THERE, WHILE BRICK LOOSES TAX REVENUE. CAN'T THE BUYER GET BANK FINANCING FOR THIS "RISKY" HOTEL COMPLEX VENTURE???? BUT THE MAYOR LED US TO BELIEVE THIS WAS GOING TO HELP BRICK'S TAX RATABLE SITUATION. HOW MANY YEARS WILL PASS WITH THAT HUGE EMPTY LOT SITTING THERE?? THANKS MAYOR STEVE. YOU'RE DOING 1 HELL OF A JOB.(LOL)

tapuout...
Yeh right... and 40% of the time built in to do nothing...
and no benchmarking of data...
and he did say the need for a policy change of not responding to bogus calls... like the dog ate my lunch... or i was away for vacation and my house was robbed.. come in.. fill a report.
He also said, many things reports not need...

The point is... betcha... same number of calls in 2000 as in 2009!!! same number of people.. everything...
Do you want me to post the dp's, pdp's, dv's, etc... i have data back to 2004... and dv's back to 1996....
no change!!!
Dv's 2000 were 764... in 2009 there were 699
When you add indictables, dp, pdp, other criminal, etc...
2004 was 4459 and in 2010 it was 4304...

By all accounts.... crime has not changed... the population has not changed... but the police force increased...
have a nice day!! Do you want anymore stats...

btw...
Camden, the town with the most crime in the US is doing just fine with their reduction in police force... they took all the sargeants, captains, etc... put them on patrol
they just approved spending for cameras... I would support that 100%. They are a force multiplier... it has been proven to decrease crime and solve crimes... time and time again.
No pension plan to pay cameras.. no healthcare... no workers comp.. no pension.. etc.
Time to get high tech with crim.

Funny... this audit... didn't mention Brick was the 9th safest town in the US... and has been in the top 25 for the past 10 years...
why... demographics!!!

oh... I forgot...
The data I quoted... came from the FBI Uniform Crime Report... that information was provided to FBI every year by the Brick Chief of Police. Ask him next time.
The dps, dpd, etc... that is court statistics which is available online... that is reported by the Brick muni... ask brick muni next time if accurate.

Just the facts ma'am!!!

Hey, dumbtap...
here are the links... knock yourself out..

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/ucr

http://www.judiciary.state.nj.us/quant/index.htm

Vote NO people...
Come November things will change...

John, frankly I support keeping sanitation... but they are going to want an ALL or Nothing deal... for which I say Nothing!!!
The taxes on average to the muni increased $170 last year... and looking to increase $300 this year... total of 470.. sorry, something has to give here... It's ridiculous.

I can make budget of 2% cap with about 50-55 layoffs.

btw... who cares whether a private contractor make profit or not...
all that matters is what is it costing ME... and enough is enough... the union needs to get competitive with outside haulers in total pay and benefits.

Also, from what I've seen in the budget... cost of hauling and tipping fees were $7million in 2006 and $7million in 2010... the salary and tipping fees didn't change. I can't say that about any other department.

John M, I find it difficult to believe that this will turn into a situation where every person will need to contact a trash removal company, the way you have it phrased "Brick residents would have to go and find there own hauler." This would create would besomething the township would have to negotiate and bid it out. It's crazy to think or even suggest that there would be X # of trash removal services running through the town on any give day or days. To make people think that there would be "Jim's Trash" across the street from one house on Monday and "Bubba's Waste removal" on the same street a day later or even the same day is nuts.

As I said I'm willing to take the gamble I'm VOTING NO and if trash gets removed from services, believe me my trash will not pile up at my house, it will be disposed of.

clam..
I know some towns in PA that have outside garbage...
they typically hookup with the water company to add to the bill... no pay... not only does garbage pickup cease... water gets shutoff also. Easier to collect money as nobody wants their water shutoff.
and yes.. 1 garbage company that gets an exclusive from the town... town negotiates the rates... but nothing goes through the town.

you are not allowed to take it to the landfill yourself and if you are talking about the town recycling center on ridge road think again, all part of the lay off plan. you would also want to find out if the town will force every household to have a trash collecting company. i know another question that needs to be answered

Thanks mitch...
you are correct.. I'm right on everything... thank you very much.

Scroll up to my 1st comment...
I did the calcs... 171 people is approx. $21million in savings.
Your statements about Bellu, franchese are spot on...

And Brick already had a 5.5 cent increase last year... what is that.. 8-12%..

Any private services business that had a 25+% price increase over 2 years would be out of business.
This is MISMANAGMENT 101...

Hey... the cops are coming on this blog...
SCARE TACTIC 101...
you tried it in November and it didn't work... got shot down 85:15...
hope you enjoy your coffee at wawa or DD.

Yeah, the heck with the environment.

brickguy..
because it is a scare tactic.. look at the numbers... they need 4-5 million in savings... getting rid of 171 is at least 20 million in savings... do the math.
will there be a decrease in response time... NO... the EMT can be served by an outside ambulance service at no cost to Brick... and the downsizing of the police force will get it back to where it was in 2000!!! Brick hasn't had any increase in crime that past 10 years... why, demographics... nothing to do with # of police.

Regarding property values... aside from market forces, education has the biggest factor as for families wanting to move to brick is classroom size and test scores.
I'm voting yes to 2% for BOE...
NO to Muni.

BrickGuy, it's called tax appeal. do you think the town wants less revenue coming in?

A co-worker lives in Manchester and she pays $110 a quarter for a private hauler. All across NJ, municipalities are finding ways to eliminate jobs. Sad times ahead for many local residents.

The garbage that needs to be taken out is at City Hall, waiting for November

The D.A.R.E. program has been cut from next year's budget. This year was the last. Students will no longer receive Drug Abuse Resistance Education. I'm just referring to Brick. The program continues in other neighboring districts.

THE POLICE FORCE IS BLOATED AND OVERSTAFFED. EVERYTIME THEY PULL OVER SOME POOR SENIOR CITIZEN AT NITE, NEXT THING YOU KNOW HALF THE POLICE FORCE IS THERE TO ISSUE A TICKET. YOU THINK THEY CAPTURED BIN LADEN OR SOME TERRORIST. HOW MANY NITES I COME HOME FROM WORK IN TOMS RIVER AND SEE, 3,4,OR 5 BRICK COPS PULLING OVER SOMEONE FOR A MINOR TRAFFIC INFRACTION. DISGRACEFUL AND WASTEFUL OF THE TAXPAYER'S MONEY. IT'SCALLED "OVERKILL" AND WITH THE POLICE CHIEF RELATED TO OUT MAYOR, IT WON'T STOP. VOTE NO ON THEIR CRAZY SPENDING. MAKE THIS ADMINISTRATION GET REAL AND LIVE WITHIN IT'S MEANS. DON'T GIVE THEM MILLIONS MORE TO WASTE AND COME BACK NEXT YEAR AT BUDGET TIME AND PROPOSE THIS SAME FINANCIAL CHARADE AGAIN ON THE RESIDENTS OF BRICK. THIS LIKENS TO RE-ARRANGING THE CHAIRS ON THE TITANIC. THE SHIP STILL SANK. IT'S TIME TO STOP THIS CRA IN BRICK AND STOP THIS ADMINISTRATION, THE SAME WAY WE STOPPED THE ICE PALACE FIASCO.

Funny you sound a lot like Joe Joe, that having been said. Its curious you know that the reason they are pulled over is for a minor motor vehicle violation. I drive through Brick often and have never seen 4 or 5 police cars behind a pulled over car. You must take me to Atlantic City and use your powers to choose my slot machine. You have no credability on this site and should go elsewhere. LOL LOL LOL

The audit was a piece of garbage...
The 9th safest city in the US need a 10% increase in the number of police...
yeh right..
and didn't he say 40% of the time was WAWA time!!!
didn't he say... policy change on what calls to go to and whether reports were necessary.

Read the DATA I provided which can be verified by the links provided...
in Brick, there is 1 crime per officer per month...
That is a fact and that is what was reported by the Brick chief of police to the FBI.. ask him

My facts come from the FBI which came from the Chief of police. Chief of Police is who told me about FBI UCR... do you want his email he sent me???
The Court stats... well, Brick muni provides that...
Look at 2000... look at 2009... no change in crime... how minor or major it may be...
but police department grew from 147 to 171...
That is a fact...
go to data universe on app.com... that is data compiled from the FBI report..

I can go on and on... and yes... my FACTS are from reliable, verifiable sources!!!
Where are yours from... this bogus audit from an unqualified accountant!!!

It is... I did the numbers....
However, I do expect 50 to be laidoff...
171 people represent over $20million is total costs... that is 25% of the total budget... Budget is $80 million. About $50-55 million comes from property taxes... about 25 million from other sources.. I think they only need 4-5 million in savings based upon my estimates.

If I were the union... I would sit and wait... and don't blink.
The referendum will fail... and all of a sudden, a new plan will arise and wala... only 50 laidoff.
and I'm serious when I say this!!!

kim.. just do the f'in math...
or did you fail math...
trust me when I say... smoke and mirrors regarding 171...

Acropolis wants to open up all the contracts with this scare tactic... get concessions... and come out the hero and say... look what I did...
smoke and mirrors..
scare tactics...

Negotiating 101... but I'm not sure who he is negotiating with...taxpayers or unions... or both.

Hi Kim, nobody like to hear the words layoffs but there is nothing that says police officers are above that. People voted overwhelmingly not to hire more officers over keeping trash removal. This has nothing to do with "this administration in particular" the cry of more money more money has been going on for more than a decade yet the police dept kept growing, people kept getting hired.

This town already has 123 or so police officers, i forget the number, it is in one of these news articles and its thread.

DOES ANYONE IN BRICK ASK THEMSELVES WHY ISN'T TOMS RIVER HAVING THESE HUGE BUDGET PROBLEMS. I LIVE IN BRICK AND OWN PROPERTY IN TOMS RIVER AS WELL. THERE'S NO SCARE TALK OF LAYOFFS, ETC. AND TOMS RIVER HAS 15000 MORE PEOPLE LIVING THERE AND 3 HIGH SCHOOLS!!!!!! THESE ARE ALL SCARE TACTICS BY THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE LAYOFF NUMBER WOULD BE MUCH LOWER THAN IS BEING REPORTED. AND TRUE, 85 PERCENT OF THE VOTERS SAID NO NO NO TO MORE COPS. IT'S TIME TO FOLLOW THE WILL OF THE VOTER AND THE VOTER HAS SPOKEN. TEA PARTY RING A BELL???????

parkway, the employees who will be kept are all the political patronage un"unclassified" people who were hired by the mayor, such as melanie briggs for $60,000 per year. and the long term dedicated workers will unfortunetly be the ones who face the ax. can anyone tell me what mrs. briggs does for this $60,000 salary????? a few years back she sued the brick mua and won. did this administration buy her silence??? she was a REGULAR CRITIC at every council meeting. just watch her on the brick tv channel 20.

LAYOFFS ARE A FACT OF LIFE, AND PUBLIC WORKERS ARE NO BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE. YES IT'S UNFORTUNATE WHEN ANYONE LOOSES THEIR JOB, BUT JUST LIKE DEATH AND TAXES, IT'S CALLED THE REAL WORLD. I HAVE WORKED FOR 2 FORTUNE 500 COMPANIES IN MY LIFETIME AND BOTH CLOSED UP SHOP. 1 OF THEM EMPLOYED ALMOST 2000 WORKERS IN THE PLANT. DO YOU THINK THE BRICK COPS FELT SORRY FOR US????? HA HA NOW IT'S TIME THEY SWALLOW THE SAME BITTER MEDICINE THAT UNFORTUNATELY 20 MILLION OTHER AMERICAN WORKERS HAVE HAD TO DO DURING THIS LENGTHY RECESSION WE'RE IN.

Well as you said its unfortunate that anyone lose their jobs but maybe the fortune 500 companies were not selling something we all needed. But we may all need the police someday and I want to know that they will be there when we need them. This vote is not about revenge its about quality of life and property value. I have nothing against the police, DPW or teachers etc but Im not going to vote no to spite others in this vote. Thats for November

No forthekids, I am not moving anywhere. Your sorry jokes amuse no one but yourself I'm afraid. And for the record, I am not bashing anyone, unlike you and the sadly misinformed Joe Joe. I do not need to read anything, as I stand up for the rights of GOOD people and the great job that they do for the people of this town. Apparently the two of you read the same "number papers". And that's exactly right Joe M, I will no longer entertain the foolishness of Joe Joe or "forthekids".

Kim,
If you read anything I wrote... you will know...
1. I don't believe anything Council, mayor, pezzarus, or BOE says...
2. I look at facts and provide the facts to all.
3. I support the BOE and 2% tax increase... so I'm not one of those that say 0%.
4. I have stated probably 50 will get laid off... and in many cases, the TAXPAYERS of brick will save money.. ie. EMT, parks maintenance, 75% of rec programs, some staffing, police marine division, Juan Bellu, council healthcare, and a few others. I know I can meet budget and 2% cap... they need 4-5 million in savings... the 171 employees is 20million. Do the math.
5. I wouldn't believe anything mayor or council says...

This is all about negotiations and who blinks first..
Negotiations 101.. that includes the taxpayers..

Did you notice any other towns in the area laying off people... Toms River, Lakewood, etc???

Sorry, Kim and others... the koolaid you are trying to sell... I'm not buying..
Do the math...do the numbers... I provided to all to enlighten you all.

Hi Joe, I believe that nerves are at the breaking point for those of you who are employed by Brick which includes me and the rest of the taxpayers of this town. Unfortunately there will be layoffs and possibly you may be included in that or a friend of yours. There comes a time when the taxpayers have to stand up and finally say NO as they did previously so they can keep getting the message across that the waste has to stop.

As far as bringing people back I have to say if they get laid off, they can be brought back.

If we allow the 2% cap to be exceeded now, it will be expected to continue and next year we will all be having the same conversation. This IS the time to stand up and make the council see that things have reached the tipping point or the straw that has broken the camel's back and maybe next year people will vote to exceed the cap.

This IS the time to make a stand and unfortunately it is a game of chicken, but if these people who are elected to follow the interest of the people will need to roll up their sleeves come the next time a contract needs to be negotiated. It may sound cold hearted but it's the truth.

Don't go by what Scott P. says anymore... I like him but he lacks credibility.
He is Acropolis puppet.
Acropolis knows if he says it... nobody will believe him... but if Scott P. says it.. well it must be true. Well, I don't believe it... because the numbers don't show it!!!
And look at Toms River... hear of any layoffs???

Did they cut any senior programs... just sayin you know... and why don't they move it to the civic plaza rent free.

JJ

If you would stop for a moment and contact me at my office I will explain things to you, but you refuse.

Where does your number of 4million come from?

PLEASE call, give me a chance to discuss your issues with you. Do you know about OCBOA accounting that is done in NJ.

You can't compare Towns because their balance sheets are all different.

I will be in Trenton tomorrow, I will be back in the office Thursday afternoon. Call me at 732-262-1050, and stop the insanity!!!!

PLEASE CALL

hello,John Menshon, I was at the meeting tonight and it seems that the gist of the talk regarding the the budget was wait until 3/15 to see what the budget #'s say and that the wording on the ballot will be VERY limited because that question was asked specifically by someone. It was also said that there were some #'s prepared for some specific groups,I'm guessing seniors because the mayor had some #'s prepared for an older lady from GB2 and the mayor informed her the increase for GB2 would amount to $13.34 per month which equals $160.00. So it seems he is breaking it down to the simplest possible number that is the lowest and easiest to sell to people but we don't pay per month it's per quarter.

care to share some facts? wasn't able to attend tonight.

Hello George that's not a true statement. As with snow clearing the township would find a contractor for the lowest bid and lock them into a contract. The council spoke on snow removal contracts tonight and how they planned on tightening their written contracts.

I don't believe they are trying to keep as many jobs and services to make everyone happy but that don't last too long, especially if they come back next year asking to go above the cap again, especially since the BPW union has given up on raises and promotions THIS YEAR, so that means they will be coming back for what has been given up now.

2 errors on my part in my above response;

1) I do believe they are trying to keep as many jobs possible to make everyone happy...

2)not the BPW but DPW union has given up on raises and promotions THIS YEAR...

Hello Vsox1957, actually when I lived out of state several years ago,there were peope who would coem to the house & take the recyclables for free. Who knows this may open up an opportunity for someone to get into business for themselves,collecting the aluminum & such. Heck if it comes down to it maybe someone will buy their own garbage truck & start their own business collecting the trash from the township.

I question again, what will happen w/our fleet of garbage trucks if the town stops collecting the garbage,will the township;

1) sell the one armed equipment including the snowplows for those trucks & pay off any notes on the trucks if they are not paid for in full. This includes the side loading recycling trucks.

2)lease the one armed equipment to cover any payments left on the trucks if they are not paid for in full. Also includes the side loading recycling trucks.

3) park the trucks for the months March thru November (9 months) & pay maintence,fuel,registration,insurance only to use them if and when we get a heavy snow greater than 12"-16".

4) will the township keep the older model garbage trucks and those snowplows or sell/lease them. Why keep all those trucks if they will only be used to possibly pick up leaves and Christmas trees if they are not used to help w/ the other recycling.

I'm not sure if any other specific licenses or permits are required for each truck which may need to be paid for on a yearly basis.

why keep it if it's not being used.

Brick has enough scrappers stalking the streets for cash. Put some metal on your curb, see how fast it gets picked up. A heck of alot quicker than Brick Bulk
Brickguy,Steve
Scott P
We know Brick gets kickback from the goverment on recycling. You are telling the people there will be no recycle pickup? I will ask our Gov if this is Kosher.
Lots of preservation land near by. How long do you guys give it, til the trash is uncontrollable on the curb?

Hi goerge, you're correct to a point, that's why in my opinion we will not be losing trash removal or recycling. The town will not let the equiptment sit and rot while still making payments if there are outstanding notes and 2, the mayor and council may be willing to shoot themselves in the foot and make some other "necessary sacrifices" but they are not going to put the proverbial gun to their own heads by eliminating trash collection, it will not be outsourced. If they forget that people already made a choice between hiring new officers or losing trash removal, the people chose trash removal.

I do know it all.. thank you kim.

Hi Kim, questioning and challenging the gov't is the history of the United States. It is our right & duty to challenge our representatives to do the job they have been elected to do but in the mean time it is yours mine & everyones to do as much homework as possible to be current regarding the issues. You have to remember we are a gov't of the people by the people for the people, not gov't by the gov't for the people or any variation there of. We the people,that means all the people get to have a say and decipher what we believe to be the truth, whole truth and nothing but the truth.

I commend Mr.Pezarras & the effort he displays. I believe he is trying to get some version of the truth out to the public but I have my right as do you & anyone else to interpert what is said. I believe JoeJoe brings up excellent points, is is 100% accurate I doubt it but I still have the right to hear what he has to say & he has the right to express his beliefs as does anyone. I believe this town has wasted millions of $$ over the years & will continue to do so. I believe there is somehting else pushing this so our taxes will fall more in line or exceed the "State Average of $7,200" over the next few years. I believe that our elected officials should not be holding more than 1 office and padding their pension/benefits. There has been too much excess in our town, if we pass this cap now, people will continue to expect it to pass every year it is a law, when it doesn't people will cry foul.

You should really read my posts Kim...
You will be enlightened..

Did anybody confront Acropolis or Pezzarrus of the $30 million in capital spending in 2010... Nope...
Scott has said in previous posts... we have a great bond rating, etc

$30 fing million... on top of the 100 million...

It's called smoke and mirrors!!!.. You really should get educated to the facts Kim...

1 more thing Kim...
have you noticed that my numbers are spot on...
have you noticed Scott P. is not correcting them... he may question my estimates or what can be done instead...
but how we got here is due to irresponsibility not only by Acropolis and council... but by Pezzarras permitting the town to go along.
People need to go... unfortunately, some of the wrong people are going.

Just vote NO....
Recall them all....
We need a new slate... why... if you think 2011 is BAD....
2012 is even WORSE...
The tax increases need to stop.... and they all need to get out of office...
And Pezarras is just as culpable for allowing this freight train to go unchecked in spending without knowing of the problems with lie ahead.

Please notice.... do you see any of the neighboring towns doing signficant layoffs??
No...
why... fiscal managment... with a 3-5 year plan...
Sure... a few layoffs here and there... but this is outrageous!!!

Mark.... YEP!!!

$30 million in capital spending in 1 year is ridiculous...
the only thing they will say is the 14 million for the landfill was unbudgeted... but expected to come... and mandated... ok, what about the other 16 million.. etc etc.

Time to get off my soapbox.

JJ

Did you take into account that the twp is asking for a referendum for 2011 and we are already paying people in 2011. The referendum date is April 27, so that means you have to pay people for 5 months of 2011, if the referendum fails.

That means you need to SHED 1.41 to to save 1 dollar, factor in 6 months of of unemployment required by law that nets against your savings, that adds another 1.9 million in unemployment benefits assuming a $450 week benefit.

You say a savings of $21 for 171 employees which comes to approx $123,000 an employee?????
How do you get this number since pensions are based on prior year they are bill that are payable on April 1, 2011, insurance premiums are already set for this year for secondary insurance (we are self insured), claims reserves are based on claims experience not the number of employees and those reserves have already been established.

So how in the heck are you getting $21 million in savings laying off 171 people off that have already been paid 5/12's of the year.

The math doesn't compute. Please explain, there is a flaw in your theory.

Sorry Christine...
This is the forum to enlighten all of Brick... in Advisory... it goes no where...

We need a CHANGE...
We need new leadership...

Council, mayor and pezarras added another $30million in debt to the 100 million in debt the town already has.. what is their response... well the interest rates were low. lmao
that is irresponsible..
that is MISMANAGMENT 101...
Time for a recall!!!

the citizens advisory board is nothing more than a rubber stamp to justify this administration's bad spending habits. it's called job justification.

VOTE NO... vote Hell NO...

The only thing I would like to keep is the garbage pickup... the rest can go...

Rec Programs can be spun off for volunteer programs to run. They already do that with baseball, soccer, football for youth... why do the taxpayers need to subsidize these others.
Youth Dances... the PTA can run them at the MS schools.
EMT... can go.. never had it in-house prior to 2007... don't need it.
all that other stuff... can go...

Vote NO... because next year gets worse!!! We already had a 10% tax increase... now looking at a 20% increase this year...

If $300 keeps all these services... $50 can keep garbage collection because that is less than 15% of the proposed 171 to be laidoff..
Do the math!!!

They are using scare tactics to negotiate.

JJ

Costs associated with garbage and recycing collection total approx $6.9 million in 2010. Salaries all benefits, tipping fees, cost associated with condo services act and municipal services act, fuel, depreciation on equipment, libility ins, workers comp, the whole nine yards.

If you are ok with this, you are saying you are against police services, rec programs, senior programs and youth programs for an additional $6.43 per month?????? That's what it comes down to on the average assmt of $330,000

Chritina -- One of the stories I'm planning for this site over the next month is a look at other local communities that have private collection and how much residents pay. It should be noted that (as Councilman Toth mentioned at the meeting last night) some towns subcontract out their trash pickup and collect the taxes to pay the hauler. In Brick's situation, each resident would be responsible for that, because taxing residents to pay for the private company still could be considered an expenditure and over cap. I'm going to be looking into that possibility more as well, and reaching out to Councilman Toth for some more details.

Christina..
If you vote yes... you are voting for nepotism, etc to continue... nothing will change. The only way to change is to vote No..
Trust me... 171 won't be laid off... do the numbers.

Hi Dan, I was there at the meeting last night and I don't recall Mr.Toth making the statement regarding "each resident would be responsible for that, because taxing residents to pay for the private company still could be considered an expenditure and over cap" and I was listening rather closely. I'm NOT saying you are wrong but I don't see how that slipped past me.

He didn't say it in so many words, but he said there was a difference between the township paying for private collection (which would be an expenditure) versus everyone being responsible for hiring their own hauler. As I mentioned, I'm going to follow up on that, but it was mentioned. That's why I didn't put it in the story (because I don't know the whole story yet) but we'll figure everything out and get the facts.

Hi Dan, Thanks for the response. What interests me is what's the difference between entering into a contract with a snow removal contractor and a waste disposal contractor?

if there is a difference, it seems minuscule , a bit like splitting hairs.

We only can hope this doesn't hold true and more people will see the importance of this vote and the effect it will have on our ever day life.

Voting YES... means you are voting status quo..

Voting NO is the only way to vote... replace the council, mayor, and Scotty P.
Ask him about $30million in capital spending and bonds in 2010!!! That is where the jobs went...

MISMANAGMENT 101

Kim
I also am glad that people are seeing the importance of this vote and what it means to our town. Come April 27 we are voting for the School Budget and a Referendum on our towns
serviceS, this should not be confuse with the November Election in which we vote for our
Local Goverment Officials. VOTE YES APRIL 27 !!

JJ

Stop telling lies, CAPITAL HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH CAPS, so that is not where the jobs went. I am happy to see that other people are starting to realize that you have another agenda on here, other than supposedly sharing what you call "facts".

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK GUYS.

I shall continue to speak to groups and papers and tell them the effects of not passing a referendum.

I have to agree that Voting YES w/out knowing the numbers is keeping w/ the status quo and waiting until November will be too late. This IS the time to VOTE NO, send that message NOW, then see who are the ones willing to run away, stay and look for reelection or use your best judgement for as many new council members possible. Make the 2011 referendum, BOE and regular election year one to remember. This isn't a one shot deal where if you vote NO and we don't like it there won't be another vote next year whether or not to exceed the 2% cap or whatever the # is then.

I want to believe Mr.Pezarras is trying to help us out and respect that, but I have to say that while Joe Joe can be a bit "over the top" he has brought up quite a good argument for the NO Vote and i respect that as well.

Everyone seems to have their valid points for which way they'll choose to vote at this time but I believe we have a once in a lifetime opportunity to hit back 3 ways and make a real dent.

Glad to hear it Christine...spread the word and stop people like JJ from corrupting minds with his endless BS

kimmie...kimmie... kimmie..

Has anyone yet been able to poke anything at my numbers.... including scotty boy..
why..
they come directly from the budget... lmao

keep drinking the koolaid... enjoy your days off.

Ok , your opinion

I will vote NO...

Need to draw a line in the sand... next year will be another increase of the same amount.
We need cuts...
Is there a middle ground.. I would say... 5 cents..
keep garbage... get rid of the rest.

But since he is doing an All or Nothing proposal... I say NOTHING...
The school at least asked for input on 0%, 1%, 2%.

Time to get rid of this arrogant bully mayor and council.

forthekids - Don't hold your breath waiting for Mr. Christie to ride into town and right all of this administrations wrongs. Do you think he doesn't know about the Mayor's MUA job? Who do you think campaigned for Christie in Ocean County?

Waiting until November is toooo late...
The 2012 budget is no different.... looking at another 10cent increase... need to make the changes THIS year.
albeit I think there is a middle ground... say 5cent... keep garbage.. get rid of rest... bring back what you can later or next year.
Brick now has 130 million in debt!!!

Dear Brickguy,
I agree with you. You cogent points.

Thank you for being one of the voices of reason.

21 school districts is ridiculous.. too large and unmanageable.
probably 200 makes more sense.

Quite frankly... I would cut of aid to any "school district" that wasn't K-12.

Dear Brickguy,
Concerning your comment about the budget cap vote, I like your analogy: get rid of the shoes if they hurt your feet, don't cut off your feet to alleviate the pain.
I have reservations about having as few as 21 school districts. NJ School Boards Association represents the interests of the 611 (or so) school boards in NJ. They have been involved with the legislature in trying to come up with a school funding formula that provides what is defined as a "thorough and efficient" education, which is what is required by law. I was at NJSBA in the early '90's when a new school funding formula came down. It was incredibly complex. We held workshops to inform school board members about the new formula. Ultimately it was struck down when challenged. School funding is a thorny issue.

Dear bths06,
I agree with you. There is one registered voter in my household. Her vote in April will be "yes".

No shoregal... but thanks for asking...
Yes.. make very nice bucks (business owner has it's privileges)... taxes are ridiculous... and high tech phone, etc. Am I angry at administration... yes.. absolutely... and it time to stand up and take a stand!! I have never seen so much corruption in my life.

I've got 15 NO votes in my cul de sac. Our goal is 1000.... even if we have to drive them to the polls. We also have to look into absentee or vote by mail.

We are all voting Yes for the school budget based upon 2% increase.

shoregal... factual information... lol
keep drinking the koolaid.

130 million in debt and climbing..

I have no problem..
I support FEE for service...
Problem is... my taxes are high... higher than average... and I don't use many services.

Hi -- Please know we're looking into it. Thanks!

Dear "what's going on in Brick",

Thank you for articulating the thoughts that I have been ruminating over. Thank YOU, Mr. Nee,
for addressing the issue.

I greatly appreciate the quality of journalism on this site. It is superb. I don't like seeing it get virtually obliterated by angry comments.

Dawn,
Average Assessed value... taxes are based upon assessed value... and average assessed value is $310,000 in Brick.. that is why you hear, 9.9 cents... is $300 per average household.
has nothing to do with what is bought or sold.

Also, the 9.9 cents for the muni is equivalent to a 20% increase... on top of the 10% increase (5.5 cents) from last year.

IF HIS NAME WAS ON THE BALLOT, I'D VOTE HIM BACK IN A HEARTBEAT. THE TOWNS IMAGE WAS SO MUCH BETTER WHEN HE WAS MAYOR.

Joe, are you a brick resident and taxpayer ?

My family has been in brick since 1969 , I went to brick high and opened brick mem first class. Been working for brick since 1990 to 92 laid off until 95 to present I moved out of brick in 97 because of my wife grew up in stafford . My mom and 2 brothers are still in brick . My work and heart is always in brick.

THE MAYOR JUST KEEPS BLAMING PRIOR ADMINISTRATIONS. WHEN IS HE GOING TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS DECISIONS AS MAYOR. IT'S ALWAYS EASIER TO BLAME SOMEONE WHO'S GONE.

RIGHT ON, GET OUT THE PETITIONS. ASAP

Hello Devilsfan24, just imagine if all those involved in the Revolutionary War thought the same way..."Golly everyone, if we don't pay our taxes we won't be under the protection of King George" and those patriots would have been hung for treason. THOSE people are ones who chose to sacrifice beyond anything we are being challenged with. Put yourself in their shoes & think on which side would you have stood,then think about this situation,there's no comparison in my opinion.

I don't think the police will go out & hang people for VOTING NO,so don't get yourself in a panic.

On 3/15 more specific numbers are due out from the Twp.

People need to quit complaining their taxes are too high(we all know everyone does)then when the time comes to make a decision & have an impact everyone rolls over because they're afraid to "lose" something".

It was a powerful message sent when all across the state towns voted against everything they could last year just as in Brick no to more officers,YES to trash removal. These were eye opening votes.

This is an election year,between April and November we have the potential to send a loud and clear message to every party the BOE,the current township council,and those running for office in November.

IMO cowards will not seek reelection to town council & those new candidates running will have their work cut out for them before,during and after. The people running will have more to prove & greater incentive to make things work.

What they also fail to tell you is that...
with 171 people laidoff... that is over a 25 million savings...

In 2012, if they don't bring services back, our taxes should drop at least 30%... or 477 for the average taxpayer which is more than enough to cover garbage... it could be 40% tax reduction...
here are some ROUGH numbers..
2010... 80 million budget
2010... 50 million raised by taxes.
25 million savings with 171 layoff... due to incompetance and not funding unemployment, sick/vacation pay, etc... the number is high that what it should be.. but follow the numbers..
add back about 4 million in debt service do to 30 million more debt in 2010.

that will bring at least a 30% maybe 40% reduction in taxes in 2012.
but they won't tell you that... now will they!!!

smoke and mirrors... trust me there is a plan B.

Vote No...

JJ

You complain about my math, do yours in your illustration above the savings of $25 million comes to a compensation package average of $146,200!

Where do you get this number?

You can't honestly believe that is a correct figure.

First of all if i gave the impression (in any way shape or form) the police were going to retaliate...sorry about that. That was not the intention. I don't believe anyone will retaliate if there are layoffs in any branch. I have to believe there won't be less of them (yes 29 possible being laid off is less over all) per shift, there may need to be longer shifts. If there are 125 officers on duty now and IF there are 29 cuts from the police dept. that still puts us @ 96 officers. And that is only if the numbers on 3/15 involve eliminating all 172 jobs.

So am I to believe that if there are only 96 officers staffed that's not enough for 2 or even shifts 7 days a week. 96/3 shifts=32; 32-14patrol officers= 18 left on staff Las time I heard there are only 10-14 officers or so on patrol during a shift so will it be tight yes it will, but at least there will still be cops on duty.

i've had the occassion to call the brick police to my home over vandalism/criminal mischief issues. it always took at least 2 hrs for them to respond and believe me they don't want to be bothered even writing a report up. i had to insist the last time that the responding officer write it up. he got very peturbed over being asked to do "his JOB". and this officer is on the force over 20 yrs. and when you don't report something, they're great at saying to you that they had no history of a problem on this particular street. i really don't believe that laying off some cops will impact the department at all.

Vote no...
your taxes will decrease by 30-40% or services are added back... do the math goo ber.

Go to data universe... Police department (officers + civilians)... so I don't have the breakout... increase from 147 in 2000 to 171 in 2009... that is a FACT.

Crime, dp, dpd, dv, traffic remained the same...
The EMT was added in 2007 which accounts for about 15 of the increase per Scotty. It was never in-house prior to that... and it shouldn't have come in-house.

sorry... error..
your taxes will decrease by 30-40% in 2012 or services are added back.. do the math.

They won't show you a 2011 with 2% budget and forcast to 2012... why.. real easy to figure out...
its called poker... negotiation 101.

Devislfan24, see you make it sound like we all live 20 miles over mountains to get to the nearest hospital and the only way we can get help is from EMS or police. If there is someone who need to go to the hospital load them in the car and drive them to Brick Hopsital. If you "think" someone is having a heart attack go to the hospital instead of calling the EMS.

Perhaps if people had some basic knowledge of emergency 1st aid and common sense they would feel so reliant on someone coming to the rescue. We don't live out in the sticks and need air boat rescue. I'd like to know how many calls EMS gets that could be handled by soemone and how many EMS calls are for "freerides to the hospital".

If there is no 30-40% tax decrease next year... assuming ref is defeated... then 100-120 employees will be back on the payroll 1/1/12...
do the math.
you see, there is a plan B.

We cannot worry about a plan b. In the world we live in everyone (including you) wants a 'we want it now' lifestyle. You can't say that you do not think like this just based on some of your responses just on this forum.

If you've heard the stories I have about people abusing and using "free" ambulance services as their own taxi service you'd understand the a little better for my comment and I'll just leave it at that.

I never said eliminate the EMS, I for the EMS finding a way to bill people's insurance to cover their costs, whether it's car insurance or health insurance, but residents should have a discounted pay schedule. There is no reason that I can think of why our TWP cannot bill for services (fuel,supplies etc) only not payroll on a competitive scale.

I've also said in the past that I'm extremely disapointed that is all the years I've lived here (I was born in Point Hosp) I cannot remember ever the township having a fireman/EMS appreciation day at a place like Winward to raise funds, oh and BTW I send in my donations.

This is why the topic is such an issue. Things are put into print to "inform the citizens" before anything is even decided. Some people get themselves all worked up and get that "OMG the sky is falling they're taking away our cops and ambulances if we VOTE NO".

All I can say is we don't live 600 miles from the nearest hospital. People survived before ambulance services, people die in the ambulance enroute,people die at home,people die in the hospital surrounded by doctors...people die no matter what.

I'm not trying to be a cold hearted jerk here, but as I've mentioned before, I don't ever remember the township having a firefighter/EMT appreciation day to raise funds and for folks to show some support other than knowing them as 911. I'd like to know how many send in a donation every year.

hello Lori, I have always had a great appreciation for the fire dept and first aid personel here in town,volunteers are a different group of individuals and they deserve the best we can give.

I don't know how long they have been applying a fee to their services and over the years I have been in a few MV accidents (where I was never at fault) both in Brick outside of Brick. For these accidents ambluance was dispatched every time of which only 2 required trips to the hospital 1 in town and 1 out of town and I don't recall ever receiving a "bill" but we're going back. After every accident I do believe a survey and a donation envelope was mailed to me,which I returned as requested. I don't know when the dept started billing people but that's great news. As for the Fire/EMT appreciation/fundraising, I've lived here in Brick my entire life and never remember any such event, not that I don't believe you it happened. My idea of an appreciation day is something on a grand scale like at Winward beach for all our residents to comeout and picnic w/ the firemen first aid people get the kids involved see the trucks, something like summer fest but for the volunteers of this town becvause THEY are the heros of this town. People say the police put their lives on the line everytime they roll out but to me it's always been the firefighters because when the call comes they know there's emenient danger, the police may not like that but what can I say I've never been a P C type person.

Ms. Weaver, Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under, and it is all you can eat. If you prefer to send a donation our mailing address is: Pioneer Hose Ladies Auxiliary
PO Box 4105 Brick, NJ 08723. All donations are very much appreciated.

Thank you to all the volunteers who are too often taken for granted and under appreciated for their sacrafice and contribution to our community!!

please ladies, this is an internet comment board...lets leave civility out of it.

my mother served as a brick first aider in the original bldg in front of brick plaza for over 25 yrs. personally i felt the service was much better from the volunteer squad than we currently receive from the paid squad. and back then no one received a $500 bill in the mail for being transported to brick hospital.

i couldn't agree more with you al. this a a serious mis-management issue dealingwith this administration and how and where it uses its resources.

I don't disagree with you,I too want the services but I believe we are a bit overstaffed and that is managments fault. As I said why wait till Nov. and let him collect his fat salary and benifts and pension. RECAL.....RECALL.....RECALL

Brickguy, I think you are missing my point. I want the services and will vote so but this guy is giving the town a screwing. What is waiting to Nov. going to do. I don't beleive he is up for re-election this year. Get rid of him. You want him around another couple of years ?

Ok Al - As soon as you find out about a recall petition let me know...I will be the first to sign it.

mayor steve is up for re-election in november 2013 the same time as governor chris christie is. and yes we don't need this mayor double dipping for another 2 and a half years at the expense of brick taxpayers.

to brickguy: do you really believe your property value is going to tumble over this referendum?????? don't be so naive. yes nationally, due to the continued foreclosure problem, some estimate real estate price could fall another 20%. but i don't think this referendum's defeat would drop my value any further. that's another scare tactic some in this administration are touting to get this passed. and remember, STATE LAW REQUIRES 60PERCENT OF THE VOTERS MUST APPROVE THIS QUESTION TO EXCEED THE CAP. don't really think 60% of the voters are going to vote for a 300 to 400 dollar per year tax increase at the present time. when they dam well know next april2012 we'll be right back in the same boat.

I'll drop a line to my old friend, Andy Rooney. He's got connections, you know?

I can assure you the only ones overpaid are the ones that did not give up their raises and took a pay cut. they are struggling to make a living.. I know of workers that have not had a pay raise in years yet they were the ones working their butts off in all the snow. So the majority are not overpaid. The big wigs and all of their pets are.

Dear Al,
Will you start the recall petition?

Dear Disgusted,

I believe it was you (noon Sunday) who said that taxes would increase by $300 to $400 if the vote to exceed the municipal cap were approved. I believe another commenter, whose co-worker lives in Manchester, said that her colleague pays some $100 per quarter for private trash pickup. I have a friend who lives in Jackson Township who pays $80 per quarter, $320 per year, for twice weekly trash pickup whether or not he has trash. The township still does the recycling pickup. I'd rather have the cost of my pickup wrapped into my taxes. The taxes would pay for more services than simply trash pickup. Taxes are deductible for State and Federal tax purposes.

Sorry to disappoint but Im not Acropolis LOL

Reading the comments here, one wonders WHO voted for Acropolis. Isn't the thing to do is demand that he leave his job as mayor, in light of his full time employment in Toms River. Is the procedure that the council president/chair becomes the interim mayor? Is it a case of "the devil you know is better than the devil you don't"?

Brickguy, we are all in the same boat. For you to say: 'Because no one really cares about the issues and are just interested in retaliation despite the cost.'
Don't you think that would be generalizing a bit? For many residents, it is not a matter of
retaliation despite the cost. It will be a matter of reaction in considering the cost.

Brickguy, the question still remains, how much over the 2% really needs to be exceeded.

As far as I know the budget still hasn't been completed and we should have it available to us by 3/15 unless I'm wrong.

If you're concerned about the "value" of your house because of any loss of services, you have until end of business April 1st to file an appeal of your assessment.

To me this is another reason we will not lose any "important services". Tax appeals have skyrocketed in the last year and from what I hear the majority of people are winning which means less revenue to the tax collector. I've begun to gather info on filing an appeal and am seriously considering it myself, if not this year then next, but I have to sit and talk to someone who knows about this procedure and the necessary info to present at the time of an appeal better than I do.

From the sound of your situation living paycheck to pay check you are in the same boat as many of us so I understan your dilema, this isn't easy, politicians don't want it to be easy, people don't want to lose jobs others don't want to lose services.

To me the line in the sand has been drawn. I've won fights and lost fights (I'm not implying me vs. you) because of a line in the sand and I'm going to stand up for what I believe is right and probably vote no and let the chips fall where they may, but 3/15 will give me a better idea when the budget is available or a decision has been finalized.

If it passes people will be laid off, why would believe these liars??? When elected they claimed there would be no lay-offs then they proceeded to move friends and family into departments which would not be affected by lay-offs, then they laid off 50 people, that was two years ago REMEMBER??? Now they are holding the taxpayers hostage by thretening us that our services will be lost and people will be fired if we don't give them permission to raise our taxes by whatever percentage they want. The greed and entitlement is disgusting.

Joe Joe,

The link below comes from the Office of Legislative Services and is an excellent resource for I&R in New Jersey. The report came out in 2007 but it is still generally accurate.

http://cityofatlantic.files.wordpress.com/2010/01/ir_counties_municipalities.pdf

YOU WILL NEVER GET PBA LOCAL 230 AND ITS PRESIDENT DETECTIVE MIKE BEVACQUA TO AGREE TO ANY CONCESSIONS. THEY ARE JUST TOO GREEDY AND LOOKING OUT FOR THEMSELVES.

Now that is a very smart answer Vsox...
NOTTTT>>>>>>

vsox1957, hell me and my family have been here a lot longer than idiots like you who don't have the brains to see what this referendum is setting the brick taxpayer up for in 2012!!!!and i went to school with your illustrious mayor, so i think i know him better than you!!!!!!

Sorry but I'm not the mayor. I came onto this site to get some answers, get other peoples perspective and share my opinion on things. But I quickly learned that if you dont share the same opinion of those that try hard to be the alpha dogs then you are ridiculed and attacked. I was mistaken thinking there could be some healthy discussion on the issues. But this site has become nothing more than a school yard full off bullys who seem to know everything. Pretty much a waste of time. The only thing this site has made me realize however is that I am voting YES. So carry on children. Maybe I will chime in again April 28th