Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Waldwick council advances 2026 municipal budget and approves two bond ordinances on second reading
Summary
The council advanced the 2026 municipal budget to second reading and carried second‑reading motions for two bond ordinances (Ordinance 2026‑04 for general capital and 2026‑05 for water utility). Council discussed a proposed 9.8% municipal tax increase, capital priorities and grant pursuits.
The Waldwick Borough Council on Thursday advanced the proposed 2026 municipal budget to second reading and authorized required public notice, and on second reading carried motions to advance two bond ordinances funding capital improvements.
During the public hearing on the 2026 budget, council finance leaders summarized a $17,050,999 proposed operating budget that includes a municipal tax levy increase of about 9.8 percent. The presentation noted state aid, fee revenue and use of fund balance to limit impacts; a capital program of roughly $2 million was described for road paving and other projects. Council members and the administration said they are pursuing grants, including a pending federal appropriations request of $1.2 million to support water‑main replacement.
The council voted to advance the municipal budget to a second reading and authorized the clerk to post the legally required notice. During the adopted motions on second reading, the clerk read two bond ordinances. Ordinance 2026‑04 would appropriate $2,073,600 for various public improvements and equipment for the borough; council discussed how the borrowing fits into capital planning and heard a public question about whether bond debt will increase property taxes (the administration said bonds factor into overall budget planning and the borough plans an auditor presentation on bonds in the fall).
The clerk also read Ordinance 2026‑05, a bond ordinance for the water utility that appropriates $1,175,000 for water‑system improvements. Council noted these are water‑department capital items and voted to advance the ordinance on second reading as well.
Council members stressed that the borough has tried to limit flat‑line bond costs while funding necessary capital projects, and they emphasized planned periodic budget review sessions to monitor progress. A member of the public asked whether the municipal budget includes pool operations and whether pool management hires had been made; administration said the pool requires a certified manager and hiring remained in process.
Next steps: the budget will return for a second reading and formal adoption following required public notices; bond ordinances will also return for final action as provided by law.
