Robbinsville budget aims to keep taxes, fees steady

Robbinsville - Robbinsville aldermen are going through the town's budget, looking for ways to improve services without increasing taxes or fees.

The Board of Aldermen held a workshop on May 5 to go over the 2022-23 spending plan. Another meeting to iron out details will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 18 and a public hearing will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 1. One goal is to improve pay and benefits for town employees - particularly in the town's water department, which was stung recently when its ORC (operator in responsible charge) left to take the same position with the Town of Fontana Dam. "We want to increase water pay to improve retention," said Alderman Brian Johnson.

During the May 5 workshop, aldermen discussed a new health insurance provider and retirement plan for town employees. They also discussed an array of equipment needs and wants ranging from time card clocks and surveillance cameras, to infrastructure equipment like the $32, 987 lift station replacement pump, to purchasing a replacement utility truck.

Alderman Debbie Beasley also proposed that aldermen and the mayor get raises, although feedback for her proposal included Alderman Johnson saying he didn't want a raise and Mayor Shaun Adams saying he hadn't thought about it. Alderman Kenneth Hyde wasn't at that meeting.

The town also spends money on local causes and activities, including $5, 000 for downtown projects, $7, 000 to the library, $3, 000 to the senior center, and $276 for Halloween candy. Other things that were once town expenses are now handled by Robbinsville Tourism Authority, an arm of the town that pays for the Christmas parade ($1, 500) and Fishing Derby ($1, 500).

Grace Place - a community food bank and kitchen - has received $2, 000 per year in the past but is asking for $7, 500 due to an enlarged mission in the community and rising food costs.