Recreation dept. moves are under wraps
Open space assessment also draws close look because of revaluation
BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

Although he declined to address a rumor that the position of recreation director will be eliminated as of July 1, Manalapan Mayor Andrew Lucas confirmed this week that the salaries and wages line in the Parks and Recreation Department budget will be about $100,000 less in 2007 than it was in 2006.

The Manalapan Parks and Recreation Department is headed by Gerald Collincini, who had a contentious relationship with previous Township Administrator Alayne Shepler.

Shepler's assistant, Tara Lovrich, was named Manalapan's administrator upon Shepler's retirement several months ago.

"Funds to maintain the salaries of all Parks and Recreation Department personnel are in the budget until June 30," Lucas said, adding, "There most likely will be jobs eliminated (in the department), but I'm not willing yet to say which positions will be eliminated."

Lucas said the Finance Committee will meet this week to look at restructuring the department.

"We're looking at how to achieve the cost-savings proposal the budget suggests," the mayor said.

A public hearing and adoption of the $29.5 million 2007 municipal budget is scheduled for June 13.

Another matter being looked into by Lucas may affect the tax revenue collected for Manalapan's open space trust fund. Several years ago residents voted to approve an open space assessment that township officials use to help purchase and preserve open space parcels. The assessment is 2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.

That means the owner of a home that was previously assessed at $200,000 paid $40 per year into the open space trust fund. However, Manalapan underwent a revaluation of all property last year and the effect of the revaluation is being seen in this year's tax bill.

If a resident whose $200,000 home was reassessed to $500,000 and the open space assessment remains at 2 cents per $100, that person would now pay $100 into the open space fund - an unanticipated increase of $60 to the homeowner and a windfall in revenue for the township when multiplied by every property in town.

The question for township officials to consider is whether the open space assessment should be lowered from 2 cents to another figure in order to keep the amount residents pay into the open space trust fund stable at the previous level.

Lucas said he has asked the Monmouth County Tax Board what township officials can or should do under these circumstances. He said he is waiting to hear back from county officials as to whether the town's open space assessment can or should be reduced.

Lucas said if the open space assessment ends up staying at 2 cents, the increased revenue it produces will only be used to purchase more open space.

According to the mayor, under the law any money paid into the open space trust fund has to be spent to purchase land due to the fact it is a dedicated trust.