Cranford Cuts Budget Back Under State Cap

Following the disapproval by Trenton of Cranford’s budget in early May, the Township informed the public of a possible 2.8 percent tax increase during their readjustment, however it was announced on Tuesday that cuts to the budget would now increase taxes 2 percent.

Commissioner Andis Kalnis announced several cuts to the budget at Tuesday’s meeting in order to make up for the increase of $250,000 the town has added for legal fees, particularly due to the Birchwood development issue, according to the Cranford Chronicle.

The following cuts were approved at the Township meeting as an amendment to the budget:

• $40,000 from the township administrator’s budget
• $35,000 from the Department of Public Works due to the elimination of the “Facilities Manager” position
• $30,000 from the snow removal budget (due to a mild winter)
• $25,000 from the capital improvement budget
• $11,000 from the legal budget, after it was determined one voucher was supposed to be paid from last year’s budget
• $5,000 from the township committee’s budget
• $5,000 from buildings and grounds

Commissioner Ed O’Malley was quoted in the Cranford Chronicle saying that some of these cuts are not casual, such as street paving.

However, Commissioner Lisa Adubato was quoted saying, “My objection to the prior amended version was exactly what we’ve corrected here.”

Another public hearing on the budget will be held on June 11 before the committee votes on it and it is sent back to Trenton.