Passaic City Council Faces Budget Shortfall Amid Rising Health Benefit Costs and Infrastructure Needs

Overview: The Passaic City Council meeting focused on navigating a budget shortfall of $10 million, driven largely by a 35% increase in health benefit costs, while also addressing infrastructure improvements and affordable housing mandates. The council faced the dual challenge of managing rising expenses and ensuring essential city services continue to operate effectively.

Little Falls Planning Board Reorganizes Leadership and Awards Key Contracts for 2026

Overview: In an organizational meeting, the Little Falls Township Planning Board elected new leadership for 2026 and awarded several key contracts. Walter Kilpatrick was appointed as the chairman, while Kevin Barry was elected vice chairman. Additionally, the board confirmed new contracts for critical roles, including the planning board attorney and professional planner.

New Leadership Takes Helm in Passaic County as Sandy Lazara and Orlando Cruz Appointed Director and Deputy Director

Overview: At the recent Passaic County Board of Commissioners meeting, the focus was on leadership transitions and the swearing-in of newly elected officials. Sandy Lazara was appointed as the County Commissioner Director, with Orlando Cruz taking the role of Deputy Director for 2026. The appointments were confirmed through unanimous votes, reflecting strong consensus among the commissioners. Following the votes, Lazara and Cruz took their oaths of office, pledging to uphold the Constitution and serve the community with dedication.

Bloomingdale Borough Council Highlights Promotions and Projects in the New Year

Overview: The recent Bloomingdale Borough Council meeting marked the swearing-in of new council members and celebrated significant promotions within the police department. The council also discussed major projects, including a new playground at Boat Pond funded by a substantial grant, and looked forward to additional community improvements in 2026.

Hawthorne School Board Welcomes New Members and Elects Leadership in Reorganization Meeting

Overview: The Hawthorne School Board held a reorganization meeting to swear in new members and elect leadership for the upcoming term. Newly elected members Lisa Spone, Alex Clavijo, and Marco Totaro were officially sworn in, with Totaro subsequently elected as board president and Erica Mulkey-Koltzan as vice president. The meeting also covered the adoption of a code of ethics and various professional appointments for the board’s functioning.