Red Bank Commissioners John Roberts and Ruth Jeno.
A new Red Bank city budget was passed Tuesday evening, but not before more than a dozen city residents out of the packed City Hall room voiced vehement disagreement with it.
Most residents in the overflow crowd were worried about the commission’s plan to eliminate the city’s one housing codes officer.
“My house is my single largest capital investment,” said resident Jerry Steiner. “A savings of about $120 a year on this tax increase doesn’t mean anything with the possible loss of thousands of dollars if property values go down due to poor codes enforcement.”
The final draft of the $4.8 million budget does not include an initially proposed 36 cent property tax increase – which means a litany of cuts, including funds for a new City Hall, a proposed 2 percent city employee pay raise and three new police vehicles. The city’s leaf vacuuming service was also cut, though bagged leaves still will be collected.
“The decisions we have arrived with have not come easily,” said Vice Mayor Greg Jones at the beginning of the meeting.
The single opponent to many of the cuts was Commissioner Ruth Jeno.
“I don’t agree with 90 percent of [the budget],” she said, citing the need for a codes officer and more resources for the police department.
The other commissioners insisted the cuts would not debilitate the city.
“All we did was cut out the fat,” said Commissioner John Roberts during his time for comment. “As far as codes … codes is going to get done.”
Several residents praised the measures the commissioners took to avoid the tax hike.
“We’re on fixed incomes … just trying to survive,” said Tammy Whittenberger.
But many residents said they would have gladly footed a tax increase for improvements.
“I’m all in favor of low taxes, but that can only go so far. A city that just provides the bare services doesn’t make for a very attractive place to live,” said Mike Tindle.
After public comment, Jeno suggested the commission table the vote for further discussion. The commission elected not to. Pierce, Roberts and Jones voted to approve the budget; Jeno voted against it.
Mayor Monty Millard was not present at the meeting because of a death in the family.
After the meeting, many of the residents in attendance were shaking their heads.
“I found it hard to believe they would not consider the citizens’ overwhelming comment. That is not a good agency,” Steiner said.
Contact staff writer Kate Harrison at kharrison@times freepress.com or 423-757-6673.