Administration previews 2026 budget, suggests using grant funds to reduce borrowing

Township Administrator Mark DeCarlo presented binders containing capital and salary proposals and asked the council to begin budget review on Feb. 2, beginning with capital requests and salaries.

DeCarlo described the 2026 capital funding request of $1,891,972 and summarized the township’s current debt profile, including a ban of $9,920,189 maturing on 07/02/2026 and outstanding bonds with balances that mature in 2029 and 2042. He told council members the township may borrow up to 3.5% of the average NTV over three years but said the administration did not plan to approach that limit.

Regarding parcel 450 Pascack Road, the administrator reported the township received a Bergen County grant reimbursement of $472,500 and asked whether the council preferred to apply those funds to reduce future borrowing or create a fully funded capital ordinance for the property. A majority of council members favored reducing debt and applying the reimbursement to lower the amount to be rolled over in July, while at least one member preferred reserving funds for a capital plan once more project specifics were available.

DeCarlo also presented a recommended 2.75% raise for civilian noncontractual employees and detailed the salary binder, comparing prior-year appropriations and proposed increases.