On first reading Dec. 23, the Long Branch City Council introduced two related ordinances authorizing purchase of 14 Slocum Place (Block 234, Lot 6) for use by the Free Public Library.

Ordinance 0-22-25 authorizes execution of a purchase contract for the property on behalf of the library. Ordinance 0-23-25 is the capital appropriation that would fund the purchase, appropriating $400,000 from the library fund to pay the cost. Council members voted to introduce both ordinances and set the required public hearing for Jan. 14, 2026.

Why it matters: The acquisition would expand the library's property holdings and requires both contract authorization and a capital appropriation. The council followed statutory procedure by introducing the ordinances and setting a public hearing date.

What the record shows: The mayor (or presiding official) read the summary of both ordinances, stated the appropriation amount of $400,000 for Ordinance 0-23-25, and the council voted to introduce the measures and set a Jan. 14, 2026 public hearing.

Next steps: A public hearing on Jan. 14, 2026 will allow residents to comment before final action.