High Bridge council approves utility rate increases as CFO warns reserves are depleted

The Borough of High Bridge Council voted 6–0 on Jan. 22 to approve Resolution 067-2026, raising utility rates after a presentation from Chief Financial Officer Corinne Hockman about rising costs and dwindling reserves.

Hockman told the council that infiltration and inflow processing and two quarters of unpaid sewer-treatment charges had strained utility finances and left reserves depleted. She said the borough is pursuing grants and low-interest loans but recommended rate increases to ensure the utility can meet operating and treatment obligations.

Mayor Michele Lee and councilmembers pressed for details on resident impacts and alternatives. Councilman Nowell asked about a tiered rate system; Hockman said a tiered approach was not feasible given the borough’s customer mix and the need for guaranteed revenue. Councilwoman Hamlin asked how individual households would be affected; Hockman outlined that increases would affect base and usage components of bills, but specific per-residence impacts were not specified at the meeting.

Residents asked about mitigation options. Karyn Gove sought clearer public notice about supporting documents and the specifics of the increases; Carol Wirtz asked if grant funding remained available. Hockman said staff would continue seeking grant opportunities and discuss financing options with the borough engineer.

Motion to approve Resolution 067-2026 was made by Councilman Nowell and seconded by Councilwoman Ferry; the roll call vote was Conroy, yes; Ferry, yes; Hamlin, yes; Murdock, yes; Nowell, yes; Matos, yes. The motion passed 6–0. The council did not specify a timetable in the meeting for when new rates would take effect.

The council directed staff to continue pursuing outside funding and to provide additional resident-level impact details at a future meeting.