Glen Ridge council introduces $14.7 million municipal budget, approves routine claims and compliance resolutions

Glen Ridge — The borough council introduced the 2026 municipal budget totaling $14,666,876 during its April 19 meeting and moved several routine finance measures, officials said.

Councillor Lewitz, who presented the finance report, moved the introduction of Resolution 76-26, saying the municipal budget is $14,666,876 and noting that "approximately 14,394" is within the statutory caps while "4.6 million" is outside the caps. The council set a public budget meeting for May 11 at 7:30 p.m. in municipal chambers, where the budget presentation will be posted online in advance, Borough Administrator Mike Kelly said.

At the start of the evening, the council approved Resolution 74-26 to authorize warrants for claims in the current fund; the transcript lists the amount as "$375,24" in the record, and the clerk did not read a clarified total on the minutes. Councillor Lewitz moved the measure and the motion carried on roll call.

The council also unanimously adopted Resolution 75-26 certifying compliance with U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforcement guidance on the consideration of arrest and conviction records under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Councillor Lewitz moved the resolution and it passed after being seconded.

Ordinance 1834, introduced by Councillor Lewitz, would exceed municipal budget appropriation limits and establish a 2026 cap; Lewitz explained that state law generally limits appropriation increases but permits an ordinance up to 3.5% and allows the municipality to bank unused capacity for the following two years. The council referred Ordinance 1834 to the municipal clerk for statutory publication and posting.

Borough Administrator Mike Kelly thanked the finance committee and department heads for their work preparing the budget, citing rising costs outside municipal control — including insurance and fuel — and encouraged residents to review the budget materials online ahead of the May 11 meeting.

What happens next: The council referred Ordinance 1834 for publication and scheduled the public budget meeting for May 11; formal adoption would follow the public process and any required readings.