The Morris County Freeholders on April 22 hosted 22 students from high schools across the county, during the board's annual Student Government Day.

The juniors and seniors met with the county administrator, the six county government department directors and the county's constitutional officers. After observing a freeholder work session, the students lunched with the freeholders, who explained their responsibilities and the importance of county government.

"If we want our young people to become involved, they have to know how all levels of government works," said Freeholder Director Gene F. Feyl. "We invite the students here to make them more aware of county government and the many services and programs it offers."

The students who participated in the interactive Student Government Day program were selected by their high schools. All had expressed an interest in politics, government or current events.

---

The Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority is seeking nominations for awards to be presented at "Recycling - A Roller Coaster," the 22nd annual Morris County Recycling Awards Dinner on Friday, Nov. 6, at the Hanover Manor in East Hanover.

The MCMUA will honor individuals, businesses, educational institutions, civic and religious organizations, as well as municipalities that have made significant contributions in the realm of waste prevention, re-use, litter abatement and recycling, including the purchase and use of items containing recycled material.

More information or nomination forms may be obtained by calling the MUA at (973) 285-8395. Nomination forms may also be downloaded from the MUA Web site, www.mcmua.com.

Nomination forms must be received by the MUA by May 15.

---

The Morris County Freeholders on April 6 adopted a $298.5 million county budget that reflects a reduction of $2.2 million in the total county tax levy, which includes the amount of taxes to be raised for county operations and open space and other preservation projects.

According to Gene Feyl, freeholder director, the 2009 budget contains 76 less employees than were on the county payroll in 2008, saving the county approximately$3.8 million. Operational efficiencies at Morris View Healthcare Center last year resulted in actual cost reductions of another $2.2 million, Feyl said.

Feyl, a member of the freeholders' budget committee, said the 2009 budget is only 1.4percent higher than last year's spending plan. Most of the increases are either state or human service mandates, or are the result of rate increases is areas such as health insurance premiums and pension costs, Feyl said.

Included in the budget is money for an additional 30,000 meals for senior citizens and 6,400 additional transportation rides for the elderly, ill and disabled.
Additional funds to address an increase in the caseload of individuals applying for food stamps and direct assistance are also included in the 2009 budget.

---

The Morris County Improvement Authority has used the county's AAA bond rating to help Lincoln Park save money and obtain a low interest rate on the borough's refinancing of bond anticipation notes.

Lincoln Park utilized the Improvement Authority to refinance $22 million in bonds, most of which the borough used to fund the construction of several public facilities including a new municipal building and police headquarters, two new firehouses and a new ambulance building that were completed in 2007.

"The greatest benefit for Lincoln Park in using the Morris County Improvement Authority for refinancing was the triple-A rating that the county has," said Kerri Geisler, borough treasurer. "Because of that rating, we were able to get a true interest rate of 4.18 percent, which is lower than if we had refinanced on our own."

Under state law, improvement authorities have more flexibility in financing and issuing bonds. By using the Improvement Authority to finance projects such as school and municipal construction, local officials may be able to spend fewer dollars and reduce the property tax burden on their residents.

"I would be willing to estimate that the Improvement Authority saved us at least .75 percent and probably more," Geisler said. "When you consider the size of this bond, that truly is a significant savings for Lincoln Park taxpayers."

Morris County Freeholder William Chegwidden, liaison to the Improvement Authority, said he was pleased that Lincoln Park was able to successfully take advantage of the county agency.

"This is why the freeholders created the Improvement Authority, to help communities meet their needs while saving tax dollars," Chegwidden said.

More information about the Morris County Improvement Authority may be obtained by calling (973) 285-6020 or by visiting the MCIA Web site, morriscountyimprovementauthority.org.

---

Morris County Freeholder Margaret Nordstrom was one of six women honored March 30 by the Morris County Prosecutor's Office and New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement, which teamed up to celebrate Women's History Month.

"We at the Morris County Prosecutor's Office are proud to honor these phenomenal women who make Morris County a better place to live," said Prosecutor Robert Bianchi. "These women have been of great assistance to this office and are recognized for their contributions to the law enforcement community as a whole."

Nordstrom said the celebration is important because it provides clear examples of true leaders to young women. "I honored the women whose shoulders I stood on," Nordstrom said. "I hope I can help and inspire the next generation of female leaders. Public service needs more women."

Also honored were Patty Sly, the executive director of the Jersey Battered Women's Services; Twannah Ellington, assistant director of Drew University's Educational Opportunity Scholars Program; Chief Carol Ackerman of the Morris County Sheriff's Office; Gloria Sullivan, captain of the Morris County Park Police; and Chief Karen Sullivan of the Interlaken Police Department and president of the New Jersey Women in Law Enforcement.

---