Sayreville council votes to withhold JCP&L payment starting Oct. 1 over prolonged streetlight outages
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Summary
Council motioned, seconded, and approved a plan to withhold payment to Jersey Central Power & Light beginning Oct. 1, 2025, pending improved response to widely reported streetlight outages; the borough attorney warned the municipality could still be obligated to pay and might face interest or litigation.
Sayreville — The Mayor and Borough Council voted at their September 2025 meeting to withhold payment to Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L) beginning Oct. 1, 2025, and to link future payments to the utility’s performance in repairing long‑standing streetlight outages.
Council members raised specific problem areas including Wilshire Boulevard and Sheffield Mews, where speakers said most lights are out. During discussion a council member moved that the borough stop sending JCP&L a check beginning Oct. 1; the motion was seconded and carried in a roll‑call vote. The roll call recorded the following votes: Councilperson Roberts — yes; Councilman Balca — yes; Felicie — yes; Novak — yes; Sonarski — yes; Zabrowski — yes.
Legal and practical concerns: The borough attorney advised that withholding payment could be an inducement to action but does not remove the borough’s obligation to pay the bills; the attorney said the borough “would ultimately be required to pay” and that JCP&L could attempt to assess interest or pursue collection. The attorney described withholding as a tactic that municipalities and businesses sometimes use to obtain corrective action but did not advise that withholding would be free from legal risk.
Council directions and safety measures: Council members directed municipal staff, the police and public works departments to pursue interim safety measures — including temporary spotlights and coordination with county or contractor resources — until JCP&L completes repairs. One council member asked borough professionals to seek a “creative solution” for interim lighting and to request the utility identify temporary alternatives for the affected roads.
Why it matters: Council emphasized public‑safety concerns as daylight shortens and repairs remain incomplete. The motion formalizes an enforcement posture by the borough while leaving open the question of whether interest or legal action will follow if bills are withheld.
Ending: Council members requested that staff and the borough attorney continue to pursue response plans with JCP&L and report back to the council. The transcript records both the motion and the roll call approving withholding beginning Oct. 1 as a council action at this meeting.