Camden budget calls for continued spending freeze, Council approves curfew

Camden Mayor Dana Redd presented the city’s budget last night, likely sparing police and firefighters from layoffs, while City Council approved a curfew for business operating hours.

The budget does call for a continued freeze on nonessential spending, and city, state and county freeholders will have to sign a memorandum of understanding before Camden can move forward with plans to create a metro division within the proposed countywide police department.

 

The Courier Post reports the budget totals $158,108,897 — a more than 8 percent decrease from the 2011 spending plan. With the curfew expected to take effect after 20 days, businesses will close by 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and by midnight Friday and Saturday.