Glen Ridge council adopts 2025 municipal budget amid steep health‑insurance increases

Councilor Lewit presented and the Borough Council adopted the 2025 municipal budget on a roll‑call vote after a detailed budget presentation and public hearing.

Lewit said the municipal budget rises from about $18.0 million to roughly $18.5 million, an increase of approximately 2.6 percent, which translates to an average household municipal tax increase of about $156, or 3.1 percent. He noted the borough's net taxable value is about $1.7 billion and that the municipal share of property taxes remains the portion the council most directly manages. "The state health benefits plan has increased 43% since 2022," Lewit told the council as he reviewed major budget drivers, singling out salaries and benefits, insurance costs, materials inflation and capital financing adjustments.

The presentation explained the borough maintains a conservative fund‑balance policy (target about 20–25 percent of general fund expenditures) and uses a modified cash‑basis accounting approach. Salaries and benefits account for more than half of the budget; the borough indicated collective bargaining increases average about 3 percent and that the pool and water utilities are budgeted separately. Staff said the water utility is operating in good shape and the pool has set aside $65,000 for current and future capital needs.

After discussion and acknowledgment of staff work on the budget, Councilor Lewit moved resolution 97‑25 to adopt the budget; the motion was seconded and carried by roll call. Councilors thanked CFO Matt Lacy and Borough Administrator Mike Kelly for their work on the document.

Votes at a glance • Resolution 97‑25, adopt 2025 municipal budget — Approved (roll call recorded as affirmative by the clerk).