POLICE AND FIRE CUTS POSSIBLE

Just a week after the Library Board President revealed more cuts are
expected for the library, new speculation is surfacing that police and fire
department cutbacks are also likely.

While nothing formal has been announced, such cuts -- which may or may not
include layoffs -- are expected to be at least discussed at the next
Township Committee meeting on March 3.

"We are looking at other opportunities and will be discussing them Tuesday
night," Mayor Vic De Luca said when asked about the potential public safety
cuts. "There will be more cuts, we are looking at all options."

Weeks ago, the township announced 17 layoffs, with many from the Public
Works Department. The TC also revealed a summer furlough plan that will have
nearly all employees taking Fridays off for a total of 12 unpaid furlough
days.

Just last week, Library Board President Karen Pettis said cuts to her
operation were likely, but did not have specific numbers yet.

Currently, the Fire Department has about 43 positions, with two vacant
posts. Fire Chief Dennis Carragher is also expected to retire later this year, a move
that could save money if someone is promoted from within to replace him.

There are currently 63 full-time police positions, with two recent new
hires, according to PBA President Kevin Kisch. He said he had not heard of
any cutback plans.

"It would end up having a negative impact on service to the community and it
would end up costing the township more because in law enforcement you have
to have a minimum number of people on the street," Kisch said. "You would
have to pay for overtime."

Asked to comment on a potential police or fire cutback, TC Member Jerry Ryan
declined, while Vice Mayor Kathleen Leventhal stated: "Police and fire cuts
could come and we could go back to other departments. We have a lot of money
to find. I don¹t want to cut public safety, but it is very hard to think of
going back to other departments."

The cutbacks would also occur as the police union is negotiating a new
contract. With its last deal expired in 2006, the union is currently in
arbitration for a new deal, having held an arbitration hearing last Friday.

Kisch said a binding arbitration decision is expected in April. He said the
current disputes involve police officer contributions to health insurance,
as well as salary.

Initially, the union sought a 6%-per-year raise, while the township has
offered 3.25% per year.