Council discusses threats to local newspapers and $291K in change orders

The Village Council of Ridgewood convened on December 11, 2024, to discuss several pressing issues, including the future of local newspapers and significant financial changes related to municipal projects.

One of the primary concerns raised during the meeting was the impending closure of major newspapers in New Jersey, notably the Star Ledger, which is set to cease print production in February 2025. This closure is expected to impact other local publications, including the Jersey Journal and the Ridgewood News. A council member expressed worries about the lack of a contingency plan for advertising legal notices if these newspapers go out of business. They suggested that the council should consider transitioning to online platforms for legal notices, a topic that could be addressed in future work sessions.

The discussion highlighted the broader issue of dwindling newspaper circulation and the outdated legal requirements for municipalities to publish notices in print. A council member noted that this issue has been recognized for years and urged residents to advocate for legislative changes to modernize these requirements.

Another significant topic was the $291,000 in change orders and advertisements on the meeting agenda. Concerns were raised about the council's budgeting practices, with one member questioning why such a large amount was needed for adjustments after initial project estimates. The council responded by explaining that many of these costs were due to unforeseen circumstances, such as the discovery of underground storage tanks during municipal garage renovations, which required additional remediation efforts.

The meeting also touched on the importance of supporting local newspapers, as they play a crucial role in community engagement and government transparency. Council members encouraged residents to subscribe to local publications to help sustain them during these challenging times.

In conclusion, the Ridgewood Village Council is grappling with significant changes in local media and financial management of municipal projects. The discussions reflect a need for adaptation to modern communication methods and careful oversight of public spending. Future meetings will likely continue to address these evolving challenges.