Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears bond introduction and updates on municipal annex and police construction timeline
Summary
Finance introduced a bond ordinance to appropriate $2.91 million for 2026 capital projects (with $2.0 million to be financed and about $500,000 offset by sewer connection fees); staff also updated the council on the municipal annex renovation and a preliminary timeline for the new police building’s bid and completion schedule.
Finance director Lisa presented an introduction of Bond Ordinance 2026‑05 to appropriate $2,910,215 for various borough capital projects in 2026, including road paving, pedestrian safety upgrades, stormwater remediation, sewer lining and sewer CCTV work.
"The ordinance appropriates $2,910,215 and authorizes the issuance of $2,000,416 of bonds or notes of the borough to finance part of the cost," Lisa said, adding that approximately $500,000 of sewer connection fee revenues will offset bond proceeds and be used for sewer‑specific projects.
Lisa also summarized the bills payable list (Resolution 190) totaling $4,717,634.67, calling out the largest items: a $3,219,007.73 payment to Union County for second‑quarter taxes and $620,000 for bond principal payments.
In public‑works and facilities updates, municipal staff reported the annex renovation is progressing — asbestos abatement complete, second‑floor electrical and ceiling work near painting, and a target to move into the space mid‑summer. On the police facility project, staff said they are coordinating with the Union County Improvement Authority and expect a preliminary bid package on Nov. 17, with bids due in January 2027, award in February 2027 and final completion estimated around July 2028.
Council discussed the need to include sustainability elements in specifications for new DPW and police projects so the borough can be eligible for related grant funding; multiple members encouraged early consideration of energy efficiency and potential solar opportunities during procurement and design.
The bond ordinance was introduced and will return for future readings and formal adoption votes as required by municipal ordinance procedures.
