State aid to both the municipal government as well as the Brick Township school district will remain flat this year, figures released by the state this week said.
The township will receive $5,387,064 from the state government, the same amount it received last year.
The school district will receive $35,754,648, also the same amount as last year.
"We're still down probably close to four of five million dollars total," on the municipal side, since state aid was cut to municipalities during the administration of former Gov. Jon Corzine several years ago, said Mayor Stephen C. Acropolis.
Acropolis – one of the state's mayors who has most vocally opposed the state government's policy of keeping a large share of the energy receipts tax that was designed to go to municipalities – said Gov. Chris Christie had a "tough call" this year.
"Just because there was a hurricane doesn't mean there's more money in Trenton," he said. "I didn't expect an increase in aid. We're hoping the federal government comes through."
The municipal government and school district are separate entities whose budgets – as well as the state aid allocated to each – are not related.
The Board of Education, which controls the school budget, released a tentative budget last week that calls for no increase in taxes.
On the municipal side, officials have said the budget is still being formulated. In Brick's form of municipal government, the administration – the mayor – presents a budget to the township council. The council can then increase or decrease the proposed budget as it sees fit, and is tasked with approving a final budget after a public hearing.
Yes Tom you are correct. Whether they receive from us directly, the state or the feds, it is still coming out of our pockets.
I moved from Brick last March, to Atlantic County, so forgive me if my assessment of Kennedy Mall is inaccurate.
KUDOS to this BOE for doing what's best for ALL these children. Additionally, as a taxpayer/homeowner I appreciate that this BOE recognizes that parents (or future parents) will now look at Brick in a more positive light when looking to purchase a home. I always wondered -- If the PLC is the best option for our K students, why do so few (if any) of the top rated school districts in NJ have a separate building for their K students.
You are certainly entitled to your opinion of Mr. Acropolis and his political friends who do a good job of lining their pockets. They're not on my Christmas card list.
Just putting out the truth
As far as the town turning the PLDC into a daycare /preschool. Now your talking about more teachers needing to be hired. Someone please tell me when has the government on any level (local,state,federal) ran a profitable business? Government sells dreams, and we are left paying for the reality !!
How can you blame the Mayor for this, our money get sent to the Slackers not town hall! Your statement blaming the mayor has absolutely no grounds!