Middletown board approves grants, transfers and temporary borrowing; parking garage work moves forward pending utility schedule

MIDDLETOWN — The governing body voted unanimously on a set of budget transfers, grant acceptances and project approvals during a regularly scheduled meeting, including acceptance of a $112,000 grant for the police department, temporary borrowing to advance senior-center renovations and steps to move forward on a downtown parking-garage project that hinges on a utility schedule.

The actions matter because they move cash and approvals needed to start construction and renovations: the police grant funds are available immediately; the senior-center work will be advanced using a temporary loan expected to be repaid with grant reimbursements; and the parking garage contractors were awarded but cannot receive a notice to proceed until Orange and Rockland provides a timeline for relocating overhead lines.

On a consent-style vote, the board authorized acceptance of the 2025 scribe grant initiative funding for the Police Department totaling $112,000. The motion was put on the floor by the presiding member and seconded by Massey; members voted “Aye.” The meeting record does not specify individual roll-call votes.

The board also approved a $3,500 transfer within the Golden Area Transport budget to cover a shortfall on a new bus (transfer from Gas and Oil to Vehicles) and a $40,000 transfer within the Department of Public Works from maintenance to street overtime to cover an overdraft caused when crews worked…