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North Haledon council says it will defend Fair Share Housing suit and flags steep health-care cost increases
Summary
Mayor Randy George told the council the borough is among about 300 towns being sued by Fair Share Housing and said a hearing is set; he also said borough health-care costs are projected to rise 36% next year and discussed exploring options to leave the State Health Benefits Program. Public commenters raised storm-drain and garbage-collection concerns.
Mayor Randy George told the North Haledon council on Oct. 15 that the borough is one of roughly 300 municipalities named in litigation by Fair Share Housing. He said the borough has a hearing scheduled for Friday and that officials believe they have answered the court's questions and hope to be excused from the suit; the transcript records the mayor's statement but does not include further legal details or filings.
The mayor also told the council that the borough's health-care benefits costs are projected to increase by about 36% next year and that officials are exploring alternatives to the State Health Benefits Program (SHBP). The consent agenda listed an item to "Terminate Participation in SHBP" but the work-session transcript does not show a formal vote on that item.
During public comment, resident Mr. Stanslaw asked about progress on cleaning a storm drain at 5 Romaine Road; Mayor George asked Borough Engineer Joseph Pomante to ensure the drain is cleaned before the next meeting. Resident Sue Luckman asked whether garbage collection will change, noting a bid opening for garbage collection is scheduled for Nov. 6; she also asked about the Firehouse auction and what the future use of the building might be. The mayor said the eventual buyer would decide the Firehouse's future. The transcript records that the public-comment period was opened and closed by unanimous motion.
The consent agenda presented several administrative items including appointments, resignations, a change order for Linda Vista sidewalks, an award of contract for Squaw Brook Road Improvements, an item to terminate SHBP participation, appointment of a broker of record for employee benefits effective Jan. 1, 2026, and payment of bills totaling $3,229,399.84. The work-session transcript does not record votes on those consent items; formal action would be recorded at a meeting that records roll-call votes on agenda items if and when taken.
