The borough is facing a pressing deadline to resolve its solid waste and recycling services, as the appropriation cap—a statutory limit on annual spending increases—poses a significant constraint. The council has engaged with state senators Vin Gopal and Declan O’Scanlan to seek assistance and potential relief from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

During the meeting, the possibility of extending the deadline for the waste contract bid by 60 days was confirmed, providing additional time for the DCA to review the municipality’s particulars and consider granting an exemption. This approach, supported by the council, could offer a reprieve from the appropriations cap dilemma and allow for continued solid waste and recycling services at current levels and pricing.

Further discussions included the month-to-month arrangement with the existing waste company. The council also contemplated the implications of the service extension on the borough’s summer waste collection schedule, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistent and reliable services.

The council’s discussion on the appropriations cap shed light on broader budgetary constraints faced by the borough, such as limitations on capital improvements and other initiatives due to the antiquated cap law. The borough officials stressed Fair Haven’s strong fiscal management and reserves, attributing the current predicament to the outdated cap legislation rather than local spending issues.

Public comment was solicited, though no attendees raised questions or concerns during this particular session, allowing the council to proceed with focusing on immediate strategies for resolving the current contractual and financial challenges.