The next two capital budget workshops are set for April 26th and May 10th – both Wednesdays – at 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs conference room of the Roselle Park Municipal Complex.
In most towns, the only time residents see what goes into a municipal budget is when it is introduced at a meeting during a first reading after the allocation of funds has already been approved by council. In Roselle Park, residents are invited to sit in on the discussion and decision process of how their taxes are used. They can also ask questions and provide input through two public comment sections.
A municipal budget has two major sections – the general operating budget and the capital budget. The operating budget deals with salaries, wages, and day-to-day expenses such as office supplies. The capital budget deals with large long-term expenses such as roadwork, heavy equipment & machinery, and vehicles.
Roselle Park has completed the operating budget for the year. The capital portion started in March with the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD), Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Department of Public Works (DPW) presenting their departments’ budgets. The fire department, first aid squad, the library, and borough clerk’s office still need to present their budgets. Additionally, discussion of roadwork and improvements to parks & buildings remain to be decided upon.
The public is invited to attend and provide input. The Roselle Park Municipal Complex is located at 110 East Westfield Avenue.