Sparta council approves resolution to amend 2026 budget, schedules full hearing in two weeks

The Sparta Township Council voted June 9 to approve Resolution 8‑1, a resolution to amend the township’s 2026 municipal budget, and scheduled the public hearing and final vote on the amended budget for the next regular meeting in two weeks.

Town counsel/auditor Mr. Ferry told the council the wording of municipal budget amendments follows a standard State of New Jersey format and that the phrase “approved on April 28th” has historically been used synonymously with “introduced.” He told the meeting, “this has been a standard budget amendment language and form for the past 60 years by the state of New Jersey,” and said tonight’s action will present the amended budget for introduction/processing ahead of the full hearing and vote at the subsequent meeting.

During the first public comment period several residents urged clearer public posting and more detailed line‑by‑line disclosure of the changes before the hearing. Ronda Sparta asked the council to replace phrasing that could be read as indicating the budget was already adopted and to post the full, updated budget well in advance so the public can review line items. Other commenters asked why the amended budget shows about a $1.3 million reduction in the water utility operating surplus and increases in delinquent tax receipts and special‑revenue lines; they sought an explanation whether the shifts reflect one‑time receipts or baseline adjustments.

Council members and staff said the amendment packet published for the meeting highlights each line item that changed between the April 28 introduced budget and the newly amended version, which is the state‑prescribed format for an amendment. Mr. Ferry said the amendment document identifies “every line item in the introduced budget that was changed.” Council and staff confirmed a more detailed, posted version will be made available and that substantive questions will be addressed at the hearing.

The council approved the amendment by voice vote after a motion and second. The meeting record shows the council moved the resolution and the mayor declared the motion carried.

Next steps: the council will hold the required public hearing and take the final vote on the amended 2026 budget at its next regular meeting; residents and commenters asked that the full, updated budget be published online before that hearing so they can review the specific line‑item changes.