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Stockton council adopts ordinance funding $140,000 water and sewer upgrades
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 2024-11 to authorize up to $140,000 for water/sewer improvements, primarily to purchase and install a new sewer generator; most costs will be covered by federal and county grants and the borough's capital fund. Council also approved budget transfers, payment of municipal obligations and hired a probationary assistant water operator.
On Nov. 18, 2024 Stockton Borough Council adopted Ordinance 2024-11, authorizing up to $140,000 for upgrades to the borough’s water and sewer utility with the specific purpose of procuring and installing a new sewer generator.
The ordinance designates the work as a general improvement not to be specially assessed against properties and details the funding plan: $40,000 from American Rescue Plan funds awarded through a Hunterdon County infrastructure grant, $46,409 from the borough’s Capital Improvement Fund, and an amendment reallocating $53,590.32 appropriated by prior Ordinance No. 2024-01. The council and staff emphasized that federal and county grants will cover the majority of the cost and that the borough plans to use existing capital reserves rather than new taxes to cover the remainder.
Why it matters: Council members said replacing the generator is necessary for reliable sewer operations and emergency response — the existing generator is beyond its useful life and failure in a storm could produce costs far in excess of the current appropriation.
Discussion and public questions: Resident Michael Odenwald asked how the upgrades would affect resident bills and called for greater transparency about long-term costs; Mayor Aaron Lipsen replied that the borough has discussed water and sewer operations at multiple prior meetings, posted materials online in advance and expects grant funding to limit immediate costs to ratepayers. Councilmember William Brown warned that delayed replacement could be far costlier in an emergency.
Related actions and votes at the meeting: The council unanimously adopted the ordinance (motion to adopt by Hunt, seconded by Mann; vote 6–0). Council also approved Resolution 24-84 (budget transfers), Resolution 2024-85 authorizing payment of municipal obligations (attached bill list totaling $143,579.44), and Resolution 2024-86 to hire Steven Cottone as Assistant Water Operator and Municipal Worker at $25/hour per position, probationary six months, contingent upon a successful background check.
Next steps: The ordinance takes effect upon adoption and required filings; the project schedule depends on vendor procurement and grant administration, with construction anticipated no earlier than fall 2025 if additional FEMA or grant funds become available for related projects discussed by council.
The council set its next meeting for Dec. 16, 2024.
