How do you just find $621,000?

by: Jason Springer

Fri Jun 12, 2009 at 09:45:00 AM EDT

And after Republican Freeholder James Wujcik disclosed additional county revenue of $621,000, Democratic Freeholder Chris Brown became incensed that other board members were unaware of the development.

"This information is absolutely critical. When you put a budget together, we need the damn numbers," Brown said. "We should not be handed a document (tonight) saying there is another $621,000. This is a joke."

The freeholders unanimously passed Brown's motion to table action on the Donnelly budget until the freeholders can review new budget information.

Wujcik said he learned earlier Wednesday that the county would have to pay $621,000 less in projected payments for leased bonds sold through the county bridge commission. Wujcik, who said he did not withhold that information from the board, later called Brown "arrogant" and "pompous."

As to the disclosure timeline, Donnelly apparently briefed the Republican Freeholders earlier in the day, but left the two Democrats on the board in the dark on the matter. The Democrats challenging for the Freeholder seats in November jumped at the opening:

"How do you "find" more than $600,000 this late in the process, when a budget is up for public hearing?" asked Bernard. "That's either incompetence or dishonesty, but it's definitely fiscal malpractice. Burlington County taxpayers deserve accountability from their public officials."

"The political appointees who are responsible for this stunt need to be punished or terminated," said Kersey. "This is precisely why their patronage salaries need to be cut. Actions such as this "miraculous discovery" of revenue at the last minute are more proof they are over-paid and under-qualified."