[T]o those who complain that the university is a drain on the local budget that is being underwritten by propertytax payers, Mr. Borowick replies that if Seton Hall weren’t in South Orange, the community’s economy would collapse.

Short answer: no Read more. Via NY Times Local. 5:50 pm

Corzine said he's "interested in what people have to say and taking some time to answer their questions."

Read more. Via Star-Ledger. 7:07 am

Despite the layoffs, budget cuts and savings, residents still face an 8.5 percent increase in the local tax levy, according to the budget plan.

Read more on NJ.com. Update:NYTimes local coverage has excerpts of public commentary. Via Star-Ledger. 6:55 am

Village Administrator John Gross made a presentation on the Village's budget predicament, which would necessitate a 26 percent municipal tax hike if no dramatic action is taken, averaging out to a $1,035 increase per South Orange home.

Read more. Via Patch. 6:49 am

The ten-word take-away: Maplewood's average property tax is higher than the state average.

Linkage: NJ.com | Maplewoodian | Patch 12:52 pm

While Patch's coverage of the meeting indicates the overflow was due to a large turnout of arts supporters, it is unclear how many residents were there to support the Trustees for making tough decisions to reign in a potential 26 percent tax increase. Next week's meeting venue will be posted when finalized.* One source indicated that some of the pro-arts attendees were paid for their attendance, indicating the village is not lacking in creativity. The first and only "public speaks" speaker complained of disliking budget cuts and having to pay higher taxes without any apparent sense of irony. Village President Douglas Newman is on vacation this week and will be back in town for the new, larger venue. * Update: New meeting venue is Seton Hall University. ** Update 2: 3/9 Trustee Meeting Moved to 3/16 SHU Last Monday's Board of Trustee meeting has been rescheduled to Monday, March 16 at Seton Hall, Jubilee Hall. DIRECTIONS TO SHU JUBILEE HALL FROM SOUTH ORANGE AVENUE, MAKE RIGHT INTO MAIN ENTRANCE MAKE LEFT INTO PARKING GARAGE EXIT PARKING GARAGE AND CROSS STREET ENTER CAMPUS GREEN JUBILEE HALL IS SECOND BUILDING ON RIGHT 7:39 am

Edited to fix link. Via MOL. 8:41 am