Highlands Borough Council Adopts Lean 2025 Budget Amid Significant Property Value Growth

Overview: At the recent Highlands Borough Council meeting, members adopted the 2025 municipal budget, characterized as lean and precise, amidst a notable increase in property values. The town’s assessed value rose approximately 23% from $1.192 billion in 2024 to around $1.347 billion in 2025, which is expected to decrease the tax rate from 0.935 to 0.80. The budget’s adoption followed discussions about strategic cuts and planning decisions made with the input of various department heads and council members. Despite the substantial growth in property value, the exact tax impact remains undetermined.

Keansburg School Board Faces Financial Shortfall After Loss of Federal Funding

Overview: The Keansburg School Board is grappling with a financial shortfall following the unexpected rescindment of $3.26 million in federal funding intended for the district’s HVAC infrastructure project. This funding cut necessitated urgent budgetary adjustments, including the utilization of surplus funds, capital reserves, and a proposed tax increase to maintain essential services and limit the impact on residents.

Bradley Beach Renames Arts Council to Honor Late Local Arts Advocate Julia Sandra Rand

Overview: During a recent Bradley Beach Borough Council meeting, the most development was the renaming of the local Arts Council in honor of the late Julia Sandra Rand, a figure in the town’s arts scene. The council, in a move to preserve and celebrate Rand’s legacy, reformed the Arts Council as the Julia Sandra Rand Arts Council. This decision was marked by the mayor appointing new members and highlighting Rand’s contributions to community culture through her background in theater and leadership in establishing arts programs. Jackie Schneider, Rand’s partner, expressed gratitude for the community’s support, emphasizing the continued importance of artistic engagement in Bradley Beach.

Howell Township Meeting Addresses Traffic Safety Concerns on Aldridge Road and Honors Local Police Captain

Overview: At the recent Howell Township Council meeting, discussions centered around traffic safety issues on Aldridge Road, with numerous residents voicing concerns about speeding and accidents. Additionally, the council recognized Captain Thomas Rizzo of the Howell Township Police Department for his induction into the National Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame.

Belmar Council Grapples with Development Challenges and Public Parking Concerns

Overview: During the latest Belmar Borough Council meeting, discussions unfolded around redevelopment projects and their impact on public infrastructure, particularly parking. Residents voiced concerns about the borough’s development strategies, focusing on the need for adequate parking facilities amidst ongoing and future projects. A notable highlight was the introduction of ordinance 20258, which amends the Seaport redevelopment area plans. This ordinance has sparked debate about the lack of affordable housing and sufficient parking provisions in new developments.