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Brooklawn Council holds first readings on COA and salary ordinances; tax-assessor and support-letter items discussed
Summary
Council introduced a first reading of the cost-of-living adjustment (COA) ordinance to preserve the borough's 3.5% cap flexibility and discussed the 2026 salary ordinance; council also reviewed a routine tax-assessor resolution and a pending letter of support request from Brick City Buzz.
At the February meeting, the Brooklawn Borough Council held first readings on two ordinances and reviewed two agenda resolutions.
Council introduced a COA (cost-of-living adjustment) ordinance that would preserve authority to increase the appropriations cap up to the statutory 3.5% maximum. The mayor explained that the Local Finance Board set the annual COLA at 2% this year; authorizing the ordinance allows the borough to bank unused cap amounts and preserves flexibility for future appropriations. "It doesn't mean you have to use it," the mayor said, explaining how the cap bank works.
The council also discussed a 2026 salary ordinance prepared with ranges rather than fixed numbers; members agreed to convene a finance committee meeting to review figures and tighten the numbers before a final introduction so that wage impacts are clear to the council.
On resolutions, council reviewed a routine authorization allowing the tax assessor to settle certain regular and omitted tax appeals as required annually by county practice. Council also discussed a requested letter of support from Brick City Buzz; the solicitor and clerk advised that the organization must submit a formal proposed resolution to the borough for council consideration before a letter can be issued.
No final votes adopting ordinance language or issuing a support letter were recorded at the meeting; members asked staff and the clerk to prepare materials for the next meeting so council can consider formal action.
