Hanover Council Approves Fire District No. 2 Budget Without Tax Increase

Overview: The Hanover Town Council meeting yielded a decision regarding the adoption of the 2024 Fire District number two budget. Following its defeat in the annual election, the budget underwent discussions and adjustments, eventually gaining approval without an increase in taxes for District 2 residents. This financial decision, critical to the local fire services and the community’s safety, was a central outcome of the gathering.

Pequannock School Board Addresses Music Program Funding and Celebrates Student Achievements

Overview: The recent Pequannock School Board meeting was marked by a strong community appeal for additional financial support for the school district’s music program and a celebration of student charitable work following a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. The preliminary 2024-2025 budget, which includes a 2.89% increase in the school tax levy, was also a topic of discussion, alongside the recognition of various student achievements and the announcement of the marching band’s performance at a Yankees game.

Rockaway Township School Board Addresses Budget and Education Initiatives

Overview: In the latest meeting of the Rockaway Township School Board, discussions centered around the tentative budget for the 2024-25 school year, which included a 4.5% tax levy increase and the use of additional spending authorization to exceed the 2% tax levy cap. The budget reflects a decrease for the average home assessment and outlines allocations for various needs, including an 8% increase in health benefits. The meeting also saw the introduction of various educational initiatives, such as the “Character Strong” program and the Science of Reading program, alongside the implementation of a new data warehousing program called Linkit.

Boonton Township School Board Addresses Budget and Negotiations

Overview: In a recent Boonton Township School Board meeting, issues such as the 2024-2025 tentative school budget, sending-receiving relationship negotiations with Mountain Lakes, and concerns over the defeat of a referendum were discussed. The tentative budget presentation, led by Mr. Muray, featured an increase in the tax levy by 2%—an additional $291,000—and an almost 8% rise in state aid. The budget planned for technology enhancements, digital renewals, and textbook purchases, impacting the average homeowner with an estimated annual increase of $161.

Long Hill Council Debates Security at Public Meetings

Overview: The Long Hill Town Council recently convened to discuss various topics, with the most contentious being the proposed ordinance 533-24, which addresses security measures at public meetings. This ordinance, recommended by the County prosecutor’s office, sparked debate among council members and the public regarding the necessity and extent of such measures, including the use of metal detectors and police protection.