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Council adopts 2025 budget, approves firefighter clothing ordinance and moves several ordinances forward
Summary
On April 7 the Township Council adopted the 2025 municipal budget, adopted an ordinance setting firefighter clothing allowances, introduced two budget-related ordinances for first reading and approved consent-agenda resolutions including the Bergen County grant contract.
The Township of Washington Council voted April 7 to adopt the township’s 2025 municipal budget and to enact several ordinances and resolutions on the evening’s agenda.
Council members gave final approval to Resolution 25-207 (introduction and adoption of the 2025 initial budget) following a short, procedural reopening of the budget discussion earlier in the meeting. The final roll call recorded the council voting in favor of the budget.
At second reading the council adopted Ordinance 25-07, setting clothing allowance rates for officers and firefighters under chapter 87 of the township code. Councilman Sears recused himself from the ordinance vote; other members voted in favor.
The council introduced Ordinance 25-08 (calendar year 2025 ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriating limits, NJSA 48:4‑45.14) and Ordinance 25-09 (rate of compensation / salary ordinance for 2025) at first reading and scheduled them for public hearings at the required later dates.
On the consent agenda the council approved multiple routine resolutions including authorization of the Bergen County grant contract (Resolution 25-208), refunds and cancellations, and other administrative items listed on the consent calendar. Payment of bills (Resolution 25-203) also passed earlier in the meeting.
Several council members pressed administration for clearer line-item documentation during the budget review and asked that any reductions the council requests be tracked and reported back to the governing body if they are to be held in surplus at year end. The mayor and administrator agreed to provide follow-up accounting and to report progress to the council.
Votes at a glance - Resolution 25-207 (2025 initial budget): approved, roll call majority in favor. - Ordinance 25-07 (firefighter clothing allowance): adopted; Councilman Sears recused; remaining council members voted yes. - Ordinance 25-08 (CAP exceed ordinance, NJSA 48:4‑45.14): introduced at first reading; scheduled for public hearing. - Ordinance 25-09 (salary/compensation ordinance): introduced at first reading; scheduled for public hearing. - Resolution 25-208 (Bergen County Open Space Trust contract, $84,227): approved as part of consent agenda. - Resolution 25-203 (authorized payment of bills 03/14/2025–04/03/2025): approved.
Why it matters: Adopting the municipal budget sets tax and spending priorities for the year and releases funding for town services and capital projects. Adoption of the firefighter clothing ordinance and scheduling of additional ordinances are recurring administrative steps necessary to implement personnel and capital policy.
Next steps: Public hearings will be held for ordinances introduced at first reading; administration will provide updated documentation and follow up on council requests regarding any budgetary holds or surplus accounting.
