Glen Ridge Council Introduces 2024 Budget With 3.32% Tax Levy Increase
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Glen Ridge's Mayor & Council introduced the 2024 municipal budget on April 8, 2024, calling for a 3.32% increase in the municipal tax levy that would add roughly $148 to the average resident's annual tax bill, based on an average home assessment of $672,540. A public hearing on the budget and tax rate has been scheduled for May 13, 2024 at 7:30 p.m., and the council separately agreed that the budget can be read by title only at that hearing rather than in full, since it will be posted publicly ahead of time. The council also adopted a resolution certifying, based on guidance from the borough's Chief Financial Officer, that Glen Ridge meets state requirements to self-certify its own budget.
In other business, an ordinance allowing the borough to exceed standard state budget appropriation limits by establishing a "cap bank" passed unanimously on its first reading and will now go to the municipal clerk for publication before a later vote. Councilor Peter, of the Public Safety Committee, reported that a $56,000 grant, secured with assistance from Congresswoman Sherrill's office, will fund automatic license plate readers around town, though exact locations have not been decided. Separately, work on a new three-way stop sign and crosswalk near Sherman remains on hold until warmer weather allows installation.
The council also approved a $3,384 property tax refund for a Block 6, Lot 15 property after a mortgage servicing company overpaid the account, and passed a consent agenda of routine resolutions, including road closures for events such as the Memorial Day Parade. Council President Mario read a proclamation declaring September 22, 2024 as Glen Ridge Eagle Scout Day, honoring five Troop 855 scouts — Wesley Steele, EMT P., Harrison Vitko, Aidan Davit, and Alan Breslin — for projects including a shed renovation, a rain garden, an overdose-prevention campaign, a sea turtle conservation fundraiser, and upgrades to the Volunteer Ambulance Squad headquarters. The council additionally adopted a resolution affirming the borough's compliance with federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidance on the use of arrest and conviction records in hiring decisions.
Councilor LoRusso highlighted a slate of Earth Month events, including an April 13 cleanup at the Benson Street community garden, a Toney's Brook cleanup, a Repair Cafe at the train station, an April 27 "rake and bake" at Freeman Gardens, and an ongoing pollinator plant sale. A councilor also noted that the Benson Street garden donated just under 1,000 pounds of produce to the Human Needs Food Pantry last year and is seeking volunteers for summer harvesting and deliveries.
What to watch
- Public budget and tax hearing scheduled for May 13, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
- Placement locations for the new license plate readers have not yet been determined
- Installation of the Sherman stop sign and crosswalk remains pending warmer weather