NORWOOD — Brand new laptop computers could replace the paper packet and pen tradition for local elected officials.

Citing the example of bordering Old Tappan and other municipalities in Bergen County, Norwood’s mayor and council are considering purchasing a series of laptops and using a wireless Internet network at Borough Hall to help make their decisions sometime this year.

Mayor James Barsa guessed that the laptops would save some of the "extreme costs" involving photocopying, paper and other office supplies involved with putting all the council’s information together.

Various prices were mentioned. Borough Administrator Lorraine McMackin mentioned figures from $900 to $1,600 for each computer. Barsa said that it was possible that the mayor and council members would "forfeit" their $250 annual allowance for telephone calls to help pay for the laptops.

However, there was old-school opposition on the council.

"I like paper, I like to read," said Council President Barry Scott. "As long as it’s not mandatory, I’ll stick with paper."

Another councilman who had doubts about the idea was Thomas Brizzolara.

"I’m kind of ambivalent," he said. "Technology rules my life at work… I like the way we do things here."

But the rest of the council supported the possibility of going "paperless."

"We need to move forward," said Allen Rapaport. "I’m not sure about spending $1,100 per councilman."

The council is awaiting further financial specifics before making a decision.