Medford Lakes introduces ordinance to exceed budget cap, schedules June hearing on 2026 budget

The Medford Lakes Borough Council on May 27 introduced Ordinance 730 to permit the borough to increase its 2026 municipal budget up to the 3.5% Local Government Cap Law exception, which the ordinance cites under N.J.S.A. 40A:4‑45.14. Council set the ordinance for second reading and public comment at the June 24 regular meeting.

Manager Robert J. Burton told the council the authorized 3.5% increase amounts in the ordinance text and said staff aimed to keep costs low despite rising expenses. "This year’s budget does represent a 3.5 cent increase, when compared to last year’s budget it is essentially flat, apart from simple cost increases," Burton said. He also noted that planned removal of dams later in the year should allow more fiscal flexibility going forward.

Councilman Thomas J. Cranston introduced Ordinance 730 on first reading and Deputy Mayor Dennis P. O’Neill seconded the motion. Mayor William R. Fields confirmed the second reading and public comment will occur at the June 24 meeting. The council also adopted Resolution 54‑26 to introduce the 2026 municipal budget in summary form and set a public hearing on June 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the Municipal Cabin, 1 Cabin Circle.

The ordinance text and the budget summary will be filed with the Division of Local Government Services per the ordinance and will be published in the Burlington County Times on June 3, 2026, as required. The council did not adopt the final budget at the May 27 meeting; the hearing on June 24 will provide an opportunity for taxpayers to present objections or comments.