2. The Amboy Guardian *October 19, 2022Certification of Annual Audit Discussed10/5/22 City Council MeetingBy: Katherine MassopustSOUTH AMBOY – RegisteredMunicipal Accountant (andCPA) Gary Higgins submittedthe Audit of the City of SouthAmboy for the Governing BodyCertification of the Annual Report.Higgins gave his unmodifiedopinion of the highest levelthat the city can receive. “Thecity weathered Covid for 2021.”He then said, “You receivedwhat you gave and also added$190,000. The records maintainedby your CFO (Dan Balka)are in good condition.”Councilman Tom Reilly askedabout the city’s bond rating.Higgins answered that theState of New Jersey is hesitantto upgrade anybody, but at theminimum, the city will remainat the same level.Reilly then asked about theprepaid PILOT.Higgins answered that isthe same as tax if prepaid theamount of money ahead of time.Reilly stated, “The PILOTpayment is based on rental units– the percentage of rental income.Higgins said, “You have 5-6PILOTS.”Reilly asked, “Who is auditingthe PILOTS?”Business AdministratorGlenn Skarzynski stated, “Weare looking to audit all the PI-LOTS.”Higgins noted that the libraryis not included in the city audit.Reilly asked if Higgins feltcomfortable with the assimilationof sick days. “The city hassubstantial dollars for sick days- $62,270.”Higgins said, “It is not requiredby the state of New Jersey.Most municipalities are payas you go.”B.A. Skarzynski said, “Thereare $15,000 maximum for sickdays. After 2 years payout ifthere is vacation time. There isan absolute statutory limit tosick time. A $15,000 cap.”Reilly asked about tax abatements.Higgins answered, “If youhave PILOTS outstanding in thecommunity, you are required todisclose based on for residential– the percentage of rentals;for warehouses – the amountof square feet – if fully taxed.Most would not be developedunless they had the benefit of aPILOT.”Reilly said, “The city councilis responsible of exceeding thethreshold.”Higgins said, “When you aretrying to exceed the thresholdwhich you should be, you accumulateby vendor.”Reilly said, 862,000 propertyassessed value of accumulatedproperties. Reserves are downfrom 1.6 to 1.3.Higgins stated, “Those are appropriatereserves.”Reilly concluded, “It seems asif we are in good shape.”Councilwoman Zusette Datosaid, “Very good job and thankyou for your report.”Council President MickeyGross asked about having $3million in surplus.Higgins answered, “I can giveno guidance. I can’t make thosedecisions. Government Financesrecommends 5% to 10% ofthe budget.”Mayor Fred Henry had noquestions. “Thank you. Greatjob. Financially, we are gettingbetter and better.”B.A. Skarzynski said, “Kudosto our CFO Dan Balka in hisstewardship of the tax dollar.”The council unanimouslypassed the certification of theannual report.Council Comments:Councilman Tom Reillythanked the Food Pantry donorsand volunteers, all the first responders.“There are lots of volunteersat the Food Pantry. Weshould put a proclamation forthese people who put in tons ofhours. It is long overdue.”Reilly then stated that everyoneshould “Buy a Brick,”to help the Veterans. He notedthe Veterans Park is going upand the old American LegionBuilding is being torn down.“The Friends of South Amboyhave games that benefit needyresidents.” Reilly stated everyoneshould support the localbusinesses in town. “Some arereally struggling.” Reilly thenstated that the New Jersey BusinessAction Center (1-800-JER-SEY7) can be contacted if yourbusiness in need of assistance.“What are the PILOT numbersfor Station Bay?” Reilly askedabout the ongoing illegal palateoperation. “It has been goingon for years.” Reilly then askedabout the infamous “PigeonPalace,” and the blighted propertyon Roosevelt Avenue.B.A. Glenn Skarzynski statedthat as far as the demolitionPigeon Palace on Broadwayis still in court, but for the dilapidatedapartments on RooseveltAvenue, the new propertyowner is going to file with BlueAcres to get reimbursed for demolition.Council President MickeyGross made it known that theongoing saga of the Pigeon Palacehas been going on too long.“Give us a date! Don’t leave ushanging!”Councilman Brian McLaughlinthanked the volunteers.“Our fields are great. The landis being cleared for the warehousesThank you Gary (Higgins)for the audit. “Councilwoman Zusette Datoreminded everyone about theelection. She gave the informationabout early voting and voteby mail. She then spoke aboutthe jazz concert at the DowdellLibrary. “They played LouieArmstrong music. Keep an eyeon the library. Thank you, GaryHiggins and Dan Balka.”Council President MickeyGross said, “Give us a date onthe PILOTS – is there a deal inplace to do audits? If the publicasked, how do we know? Atleast we can answer.”Gary Higgins answered, “Thesummary of each PILOT is inresponse to each of your individualagreement.”Councilman Tom Reilly asked,“Who should be performing theaudit (of the PILOTS)?”Higgins said, “Bond Counseldoes that. Look at the agreementif based on assessed value,you have the same number.”B.A. Skarzynski stated that itis based on adjusted gross revenueas are most residential PI-LOTS. The approve of a oncea-yearassessment in the fall.IT is in the best interest of thetaxpayers.”Gross reminded everyone ofthe Irish Festival on Saturday,October 8, 2022.Mayor Fred Henry requested15-minute parking spacesby Krauzers. “I want to thankElaine Graber (Dowdell LibraryDirector). A lot of good thingsare going on in South Amboy.”Mayor Henry then said, “Wehad an interview with a womanfrom the New York Times. Wewalked around Broadway. Shewas really impressed with theway things are going. The articlewill be in the NY Times inlate October.”B.A. Skarzynski thanked GovernorMurphy and AssemblySpeaker Coughlin for a $8 milliongrant for the ferry terminal.He noted that the new computersystem is being installed.Public Portion:Resident Mark Herdmenspoke, “Kudos to the auditor.He did a very good job.” Hethen asked about the AmericanLegion.Mayor Fred Henry said, “Aproject is in the works. OurAmerican Legion will be a complexof apartments for homelessvets.”The meeting adjourned at 6:48p.m. Council Vice PresidentChristine Noble was not present.Attention Candidates!The Last Issue before the 2022 Election will beOn November 2, 2022Deadline: Friday, October 28, 2022Please take advantage ofOur Special Political Rates!
October 19, 2022 * The Amboy Guardian .3