Officials cut travel costs, scrutinize employee OT BY VINCENT TODARO Staff Writer EAST BRUNSWICK- Travel costs and overtime are just two of the issues township officials are addressing as they examine the municipal budget in depth. The Township Council recently held a workshop and is planning another onMarch 31 to reviewMayorWilliamNeary's proposed $64million budget for 2008. Neary is calling for a tax rate increase of 11 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, though the rate may be increased further due to a loss of state aid. Though there has been some debate on budget items, primarily between Neary and Councilman David Stahl, one line item that did meet with approval from all sides is Neary's proposed freeze on travel expenses for township employees. Township Business Administrator James White said he already issued amemorandumto employees of all departments saying that the township will no longer fund overnight travel. Stahl said he agrees that the travel budget should be eliminated, and that if councilmembers in particular choose to stay somewhere overnight they should pay out of their own pockets. He also asked why there were items in the 2007 budget stating that travel expenseswere incurred, andNeary responded that the freeze took place in 2008. Councilwoman Nancy Pinkin said the proposed budget is "lean," but that shewants to examine overtime costs. She asked how the council can reduce overtime costs for employees and wondered if "comp time" would be possible instead, or if having more parttime staff would help. "We are in this period where every dollar counts," she said, adding that she wants to examine every department's overtime costs. White said overtime in 2007 came to roughly $820,000, out of a payroll of about $26 million. Township officials have to decide atwhat point they want to hire a new employee rather than pay overtime to an existing worker, White said. He said it is better for the township to pay overtime than allowemployees to accumulate comp time. He noted that the township is considering changing employee hours and taking other measures to cut back on costs. Township Finance Director L. Mason Neely said employees work a seven-hour day, rather than the standard eight-hour one. That means an employee can be asked to work an extra hour each day without the township having to pay actual overtime. White said, however, that some departments, such as public works and the police, do work a 40-hour week. As far as the township's standingwith financial institutions, Neely said East Brunswick still has a AA bond rating, and can sell its notes at a AAA rating, in large part due to the town's fund balance, or surplus. He said, however, that the town carries about $63 million in debt. White said the township continues to offer excellent services to residents. He noted, for example, that the recreation program is "second to none" in the state, that snow removal is done quickly, and that the police department has a fast response time. The 11-cent tax rate increase included in Neary's budget proposal would have the owner of property assessed at $150,000 paying $165 more this year for the municipal portion for the property tax bill, which also includes school, county, fire district and open space taxes. The next workshop is set forMarch 31.