The potential transfer of jurisdiction over Bay Avenue emerged as a prominent topic, with council members and officials considering the implications of taking control from the county. This transition would involve meeting requirements, such as ensuring a 30-foot right-of-way and obtaining county approval before presenting any plans to the borough’s land use board. Despite these hurdles, there was optimism about progressing with the proposal, bolstered by the county engineer’s agreement with the borough planner’s preliminary discussions. The council stressed the necessity of formalizing the transfer through ordinances from both the county and the borough, which would define mutual expectations and responsibilities.

This potential jurisdiction transfer was not merely a matter of paperwork but also about strategically enhancing the borough’s control over essential areas. The Mayor shared insights from a conversation with another mayor who had navigated a similar situation.

Budgetary issues also took center stage during the meeting, with the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget drawing considerable attention. The budget outlines a projected tax decrease of 1.7 cents per $100 of assessed value. However, the borough faces financial pressures, notably a $540,000 increase in health benefits costs, which surged by 36.5%. The Chief Financial Officer detailed the challenges of managing these escalating costs, particularly given the borough’s inability to transition away from state health benefits due to its small size. The budget also accommodates contractual payroll increases totaling $232,500 and capital improvements, necessitating a reduction of planned expenditures by approximately $400,000 to align with available funding.

The council discussed the importance of reassessing budget strategies in the coming years, recognizing the need to address these financial challenges proactively. A public hearing for the budget was scheduled for May 20, 2026, providing an opportunity for further community input and discussion.

The meeting also addressed community concerns regarding infrastructure and neighborhood maintenance. Richard Jones from Mountain Street raised questions about the shared services agreement for street sweeping with the Borough of Sea Bright. He expressed concerns about potential wear on the street sweeper due to differing conditions between the municipalities, particularly sand accumulation in Sea Bright. It was clarified that Highlands would purchase a new street sweeper, with the old one being transferred to Sea Bright as part of the agreement. This arrangement, costing $18,000, would offset charges for shared lifeguard services Sea Bright provides to Highlands.

Rosemary Vali from Shore Drive voiced issues about sidewalk erosion along Water Witch and difficulties in obtaining responses from authorities for maintenance. It was confirmed that the borough had applied for a grant to address these sidewalk repairs. Vali also expressed frustration over malfunctioning street lighting, with ongoing issues despite contacting the utility company JCP&L.

Furthermore, Vali highlighted concerns about code enforcement and neighborhood cleanliness, particularly regarding uncollected debris and tree branches. She emphasized the impact of neglect on the community’s appearance and her commitment to improving the town through personal and community initiatives. Her comments underscored the importance of maintaining neighborhood standards and finding effective ways to enforce clean-up without resorting to fines.

In other matters, the council passed several ordinances and resolutions, including the approval of a liquor license transfer from Doris and Ed’s to former employees at Highlands Cafe. A consent agenda was also adopted, featuring resolutions on budget self-examination and shared services agreements. A notable point of discussion involved a $4,900 expenditure on a new coffee machine for the community center, with inquiries into the procurement process and the necessity of replacing the aging equipment.