Sayreville council adopts amended 2026 municipal budget, cites rising medical costs

The Sayreville Mayor and Borough Council adopted a set of amendments to the 2026 municipal budget on July 20, 2026, and then adopted the final 2026 municipal budget and related resolution on roll call. The amendments were read into the record by the clerk/administrator (speaker 2) and outlined changes to anticipated revenues, special items and appropriations.

Council discussion focused on the tax‑rate impact and the drivers of the increase. Council members said the amendment reduced an earlier proposed increase of 25¢ to approximately 13¢; one councilmember explained they opposed the amendment because the municipality was creating additional positions, including management roles, while another councilmember said staff had reduced discretionary spending and that the largest single cost increase — approximately $3.2 million — was for medical benefits.

Council members thanked staff for negotiations and work to lower the increase and noted that fixed costs — particularly health care — had risen substantially. After a brief public hearing (no public comment on the budget) the council adopted the amended budget and the municipal budget by roll call. Officials said the budget adoption allows the borough to move from a temporary to a permanent budget, obliges the borough to comply with stormwater and other regulatory duties that have fallen behind, and will allow scheduled projects to continue.

Next steps: the formal resolution and certified copies will be filed with the Division of Local Government Services and the administration will proceed with implementation and monitoring of budgeted commitments.