Metuchen council adopts $2.6M capital bond ordinance, postpones municipal budget hearing to Aug. 17

The Metuchen Borough Council on July 13 approved a capital bond ordinance and postponed the municipal budget public hearing until Aug. 17, 2026.

Council passed Ordinance 2026-12 (bond ordinance appropriating $2,616,000 and authorizing $2,484,000 in bonds or notes) on second reading after a clerk’s reading of the ordinance by title and an opportunity for public comment. The council recorded affirmative roll-call votes and the motion carried.

Why it matters: the bond ordinance provides capital funding for borough improvements and projects identified in the borough’s capital program. At the same meeting the council also delayed final consideration of the municipal budget, citing a required internal state process that forced the postponement and the CFO’s guidance on timing.

Acting Council President Thillia moved and the council seconded the motion to table the public hearing and adoption of the 2026 municipal budget until Aug. 17; the mayor said the delay stemmed from an internal state procedural requirement. The council voted in favor of tabling the budget hearing.

Votes at the meeting: during the roll call for Ordinance 2026-12, council members recorded 'Yes' votes (Branch, Hyman, Jethwani, Kandel, Sukan) and the ordinance was declared to carry. For the motion to table the municipal budget the council likewise voted in favor to postpone the hearing to Aug. 17, 2026.

Next steps: final action on the municipal budget will be taken at the Aug. 17 council meeting. The borough will proceed with publishing required notices and preparing materials for hearings on the bond ordinance and budget.