Ramsey council adopts 3.9% water-rate increase, OKs $165,000 for police vehicles and passes affordable-housing resolution

The Ramsey mayor and council on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, adopted a final ordinance increasing water usage rates by about 3.9%, approved a capital appropriation of $165,000 to replace two police vehicles and upfit equipment, and passed a package of consent resolutions that included participation in the federal 1033 equipment program and a resolution addressing the borough’s fourth-round affordable housing obligations.

The council’s actions affect Ramsey water customers, the Ramsey Police Department and borough park planning. The water-rate ordinance implements rates recommended by the Board of Public Works for 2025; the vehicle appropriation uses budgeted funds rather than new borrowing; and the consent resolutions include grant application authorizations and administrative transfers the borough described as net-neutral for the tax levy.

Ordinance O1-2025 (water rates): The council passed Ordinance O1-2025, “an ordinance amending chapter 19 of the code of the borough of Ramsey…subsection 19-2.1 entitled fees for water usage,” to set water rates for calendar year 2025. The ordinance was presented by Councilwoman Cusick as having been approved and recommended to the governing body by the Board of Public Works in December. The administration said the new rates reflect increased operating and capital costs and amount to approximately a 3.9% increase from prior rates. No public comments were offered…