Bradley Beach council introduces budget amendment that budgets for police radio upgrades and covers retro pension payments

The Bradley Beach Borough Council introduced an amendment to the municipal budget that addresses a mix of one-time liabilities and potential capital needs.

CFO Mitch reviewed the principal changes: a recalculation of the municipal tax rate that raises the local share by roughly $2 for the typical assessed home, one-time recognition of retroactive salary and pension liabilities (2023–24 retro pay of about $560,000 producing a $90,000 required pension payment), and a possible $350,000 budget line to address the borough’s outdated police radio system.

Police leadership described radios that use legacy analog/low-frequency technology and do not interoperate reliably with Monmouth County departments or dispatch; officers have reported frequent interference that prevents communication inside buildings or along the beachfront. The chief said digital radios and new infrastructure would improve safety and allow interjurisdictional coordination; an upgrade was estimated by vendors at roughly $350,000 (some neighboring towns reported costs closer to $500,000). Council members said they had been pursuing grant funding but had recently been advised state support may be uncertain, so they added a $350,000 option in the amended budget. The council discussed financing alternatives including using proceeds from a recent municipal property sale, bonding over several years, or spending limited proceeds now and seeking reimbursement if a grant arrives.

Council moved to introduce the budget amendment (resolution 2026-167) and set a special meeting for June 30 to adopt the amended budget. Several members emphasized that adding the $350,000 line does not yet commit the borough to spend the funds; it preserves flexibility to act quickly if grants do not materialize and the radios are judged an immediate safety need.