Franklin Borough Council approves $8.12 million budget for 2023

Bruce A. Scruton, New Jersey Herald
·2 min read

FRANKLIN − The Borough Council unanimously approved a 2023 operating budget of $8.12 million which includes a property tax increase of about 1.7%, following a public hearing at which nobody spoke.

The now-approved budget is an increase of $615,890 over the 2022 budget and includes contracted pay raises of2.25% for employees working under contracts which amounts to more than $100,000 of the increase according to Ray Sarinelli Jr., the municipal auditor.

Because of a boroughwide revaluation this past year, Franklin's assessed property value went up to $622,845,625 for this year, compared to the 2022 value of $392,894,190 making a year-over-year comparison difficult. In addition to the $5.17 million to be raised via property taxes, the borough expects revenues of $2,952,498 this year.

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Another chunk of the increase is for group insurance and pension contributions for borough employees according to Michelle LaStarza, the borough's chief financial officer, when the budget was introduced earlier in the month. Another big increase is the borough's contract with Blue Diamond for trash collection.

Cannabis update

Jack Parker, owner of Parker Development Inc., a company which does laboratory testing and technical support services for companies, asked for the council for a letter of support for his company, located at 180 Munsonhurst Road, to obtain a state license to test cannabis.

He assured the council the company would not be growing or retail selling but instead would do the state required sampling and testing of cannabis at various stages from growing to retail. To obtain the necessary state license, the company needs a statement of support from the borough council.

The council voiced support and directed the borough attorney to write the appropriate resolution for a vote at the council's next meeting on May 9.

The council also approved the hiring of Alex Lospinuso as a patrolman. The appointment takes effect May 1 and he will be sworn in at a future ceremony.

This article originally appeared on New Jersey Herald: Franklin Borough NJ Council approves 2023 budget at $8.12M