North Haledon council adopts 2025 budget, sets estimated tax levy and authorizes bond notes; approves major purchases

The Borough of North Haledon Borough Council approved its 2025 budget certification and related measures at its May 21 meeting, set an estimated 2025 tax levy and rate, authorized the sale of bond anticipation notes and approved a package of contracts and purchases including a street sweeper and new emergency vehicles.

The council adopted Resolution #94-2025 certifying that the borough meets the requirements to perform a self-examination of the 2025 budget under N.J.A.C. 5:30-7. The Chief Financial Officer, Christopher Battaglia, attested that revenue estimates and appropriations are reasonable and that the budget meets statutory requirements. Resolution #95-2025 (adoption of the budget) appeared on the consent agenda and was approved as part of the same motion.

Council authorized the Tax Collector to issue estimated tax bills for the third quarter and set the borough's estimated 2025 tax levy at $37,944,871.04 and the estimated tax rate at 3.176. The resolution notes that interest on the third installment will not accrue until the later of Aug. 10 or 25 days after the estimated bills are mailed.

On financing, the council authorized the issuance of up to $8,259,721 in Bond Anticipation Notes, Series 2025. The authorization directs the Chief Financial Officer to sell the notes competitively or negotiate terms as appropriate. The notes are intended to (1) refund a $6,787,221 principal portion of prior bond anticipation notes maturing June 24, 2025 (with the remainder of that prior note to be paid with a budget appropriation of $200,100 and $357,083 cash on hand) and (2) temporarily finance various capital acquisitions and improvements, including $1,472,500 for projects. Officials were authorized to prepare and distribute a Preliminary Official Statement and to execute continuing-disclosure obligations under SEC Rule 15c2-12.

As part of a broad consent agenda the council approved multiple contracts and purchases. Notable approvals included: - Authorization to purchase an Elgin Model Pelican street sweeper via State co-op from Timmerman Equipment Company with a not-to-exceed amount of $337,763.06; funds will be certified when ordered. - Authorization to purchase a 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe for the North Haledon Fire Department from 10-75 Emergency Vehicles, not to exceed $100,000. - Awards for police vehicles and related upfitting and equipment: a 2025 Durango PPV ($49,015.36), upfitting contracts ($13,090.39; $13,479.74; $18,877.25) and a camera contract with JCT Solutions ($23,996.26).

The council also accepted engineering proposals from Boswell McClave Engineering for a tax map update (NTE $4,200), construction management and inspection for the Squaw Brook Road bank stabilization project (NTE $33,600), and preparation of a 2026 NJDOT Municipal Aid grant application (NTE $3,000).

Other items approved on the consent agenda included interlocal School Resource Officer (SRO) agreements placing two SRO-trained officers in the North Haledon School District through June 30, 2026 and a separate SRO agreement with Mary Help of Christians Academy for 2025; raffle licenses for the North Haledon Education Foundation; acceptance of certain grants and engineering services; and authorization to advertise for bids on the 2025 Road Improvement Project and the NJDOT Manchester Avenue Local Aid project.

The council approved payment of bills and issuance of checks totaling $12,501,114.13. During the consent vote the council recorded that all members present voted in the affirmative except that Council Member Donna Puglisi recused herself on Consent Agenda item #16 (the interlocal SRO agreement with the North Haledon School District).

The meeting concluded with an adjournment at 8:30 p.m.; the council's next scheduled action on several items includes the final hearing on Ordinance #7-2025 set for June 18, 2025.