Englewood Cliffs council adopts cap‑bank ordinance, tables fire‑prevention rewrite; budget hearing draws criticism over one‑time revenue use

The Englewood Cliffs Mayor and Council on June 10 adopted Ordinance 2026‑10, allowing the borough to bank unused municipal budget cap capacity for 2026, and deferred a separate fire‑prevention code overhaul so staff can incorporate state Division of Fire Safety comments.

Council voted by roll call to approve the cap‑bank ordinance after a public hearing. At the same session the council opened a public hearing on the larger municipal budget; the borough’s Chief Financial Officer said the state returned late comments that require a minor budget amendment (about $533) that will be presented at the next meeting before formal adoption. The CFO said the change is procedural and will not affect the overall tax levy.

A resident urged the council to avoid relying on one‑time revenues and surplus to keep the tax rate unchanged, arguing that an overreliance on nonrecurring funds leaves the borough vulnerable if revenue sources change in the next fiscal year. "Sometimes it's important to bite the bullet," the resident said during the budget hearing, urging more conservative planning.

On the fire‑prevention ordinance (2026‑11), the mayor and municipal attorney said the Division of Community Affairs and state fire officials provided comments that require revisions. Council members unanimously moved to table the ordinance so staff and counsel can present a revised draft at a future meeting.

Next steps: the minor budget amendment will be prepared for the next council meeting so the council can consider adoption; borough staff will circulate a revised fire‑prevention ordinance after incorporating state comments.