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Belmar council approves budget amendment tied to water/sewer rate changes after heated transparency debate
Summary
Facing state review and a shortfall in its water/sewer utility, Belmar officials introduced and adopted a budget amendment and an amended water/sewer ordinance that includes a 13% rate increase and removes an automatic 2.5% annual increase. Council members and residents pressed for clearer public notice and meter audits.
Belmar — The Belmar Borough Council on April 28 introduced and adopted a budget amendment required for state certification after officials said the borough’s water and sewer utility is not generating enough revenue to cover fixed operating and capital costs.
"Absent this ordinance passing tonight, we will not be able to adopt our budget," said Lorraine, the borough finance director, presenting the 2026 municipal budget and warning that state review requires certification that revenues will cover obligations. Lorraine said the borough is under state review and must show balanced revenues; she listed capital work on mains and lead-service-line replacement required by the WQAA as major drivers of utility expense.
Council members and residents pressed for more public notice and technical fixes before raising rates.…
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