Clifton council approves tapping larger fund balance, authorizes up-to-$15,000 budget analysis amid $7–8M shortfall

The Clifton Municipal Council on April 8 voted to draw a larger portion of its reserve funds to help close a growing budget shortfall and authorized staff to seek a professional budget and financial analysis for up to $15,000.

Council members approved increasing the available fund balance from 50% to 60% during a special meeting that focused largely on the municipal budget. The council also voted 5–2 to request a written proposal — to be sought first from Phoenix Advisors — for a budget analysis and financial review capped at $15,000.

The move comes after repeated discussion that the city is roughly $7 million to $8 million short for the current budget year. "We are $8,000,000 short," Councilman Latona said during the meeting, pressing colleagues to put "everything on the table" to avoid layoffs. City staff and council members traced the shortfall to rising costs and one-time money used in recent years, including American Rescue Plan funds and other temporary sources.

Council members…