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Butler council adopts 2026 municipal budget, OKs ordinance to exceed cap
Summary
The Butler Borough Council on May 19 adopted the 2026 municipal budget and an ordinance authorizing a cap increase for CY 2026. The council also approved related resolutions authorizing payment of bills and several consent items. The vote was unanimous among members present.
The Borough of Butler Mayor and Council adopted its 2026 municipal budget at a May 19 meeting, moving forward a spending plan the council said is intended to maintain municipal services for residents.
Council President Raymond Verdonik and council members voted to approve Resolution R-2026-77, the municipal budget adoption, after the body previously passed Ordinance 2026-05 to exceed the Local Government Cap Law's standard appropriation limits for calendar year 2026. Ordinance 2026-05 (introduced April 21 and advertised April 22) authorizes the borough to increase final appropriations up to the permitted 3.5% cap in certain circumstances; adopted language set a 1% increase in final appropriations (text in the ordinance indicates $328,780.39 as the authorized increase).
Why it matters: The council's action enables the borough to set the tax levy and appropriate funds needed for municipal services in 2026, including utilities and public works. Clerk Brandi Greco reported April receipts, including $1,726,282.37 in tax collections and $2,004,851.70 in Power & Light/Water & Sewer receipts, figures the council considers in finalizing budget totals.
How the vote went: The adoption votes were recorded as Aye from Councilman Calvi (participating by telephone), Councilman Guzman, Councilman MacDonald and Council President Verdonik. Mayor Martinez and Councilmen Meier and Piccirillo were recorded as absent. The council also passed R-2026-75 authorizing payment of bills and vouchers (same recorded vote among present members) and approved a consent agenda with routine refunds and adjustments.
Budget context and next steps: The ordinance text cites N.J.S.A. 40A:4-45.14 and related Local Government Cap Law provisions. The minutes record required advertising and public‑hearing steps; no members of the public spoke in opposition during the hearings. The council's adoption completes the legislative steps required locally; implementation steps—such as filing certified copies with the Division of Local Government Services and the county—are noted in the ordinance and budget documentation.
