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Rockleigh adopts 2026 municipal budget, certifies 2025 audit and approves $125,000 capital appropriation
Summary
The Borough of Rockleigh adopted its 2026 municipal budget on May 4, 2026, approving a cap‑bank COLA ordinance, increasing deferred school taxes by $100,000, certifying the 2025 audit and passing a $125,000 capital ordinance for public building improvements.
The Borough of Rockleigh Mayor and Council adopted the 2026 municipal budget during their May 4, 2026 regular meeting, after a public hearing and brief comments by Borough Auditor Gary Higgins. The auditor told the council the tax rate fell following a recent revaluation and that the average homeowner would see an estimated $1,207 reduction in their tax bill.
The council also adopted Ordinance 2026-4, permitting the borough to exceed the Local Government Cap Law by 1.5 percent and establish a cap bank; the ordinance specifies the 1.5 percent increase equals $13,195.76. Council approved Resolution 2026-37 to waive a full reading of the budget and Resolution 2026-38 allowing the borough to perform the required budget self-examination under N.J.A.C. 5:30-7 based on the CFO’s certification that Rockleigh meets program conditions.
Separately, council approved Resolution 2026-39 to increase Deferred Local District School Taxes to $331,765 for 12/31/25 (up $100,000 from the prior year). The governing body then certified the Borough’s 2025 audit; Auditor Gary Higgins said the final audit, dated May 5, 2026, contained no new recommendations but noted three repeat comments concerning an old FEMA grant, stale general capital ordinances and legacy escrow accounts. Council approved the Certification of Audit and signed the required affidavits.
On capital spending, the council adopted Ordinance 2026-5, a capital ordinance appropriating $125,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund to fund improvements to public buildings, including replacement garage doors and other work. Administrator William McGuire and council members discussed preserving historical door aesthetics for the firehouse during planning.
All budget and audit-related motions passed unanimously by those present (Councilman Mender was absent). The council also ratified the bills list (Resolution 2026-43) authorizing payments totaling $212,333.56 including payroll already paid of $28,392.60.
What’s next: Ordinances adopted take effect according to law and the borough will file required documents with the Division of Local Government Services as directed. The council agreed to continue follow-up on the three audit items identified by the auditor.
