South River Council Tackles School Bus Parking Issue

Overview: The South River Borough Council addressed a range of community and administrative issues during its latest session, with the introduction of a parking ordinance amendment for school buses in residential areas taking center stage. The council also introduced the municipal budget for the fiscal year 2024, and discussed various community events, departmental updates, and public concerns, including an increase in water rates balanced by a decrease in electric rates, and the progress of local infrastructure projects.

New Milford Expands Cybersecurity Insurance Amid Budget Talks

Overview: The New Milford Borough Council meeting addressed budgetary concerns, including a notable increase in insurance premiums for cybersecurity coverage. The council also appointed members to various committees and discussed upcoming community events, administrative updates, and expressed gratitude for municipal departments’ responses to recent emergencies.

South River Borough Tackles Parking Woes and Budget Plans

Overview: The South River Borough Council meeting addressed community concerns including parking regulation confusion, catalytic converter thefts, and the introduction of the 2024 municipal budget. The council discussed a range of issues from operational budgets to appointments, with a focus on enhancing community welfare and infrastructure.

Madison Borough Council Approves Electric Senior Bus Plan

Overview: The Madison Borough Council recently convened to address a range of topics impacting the community, with the most development involving the planned replacement of the senior citizen bus. The council detailed their decision to apply for a grant under the New Jersey Department of Transportation’s NJD Sto program, which provides funds to offset the cost difference between electric and traditional gas or diesel-powered buses. The grant amount allocated for this purpose is $155,000 for smaller buses and $160,000 for larger ones. The council’s determination to opt for an electric bus over a gas-powered vehicle is driven by the environmental benefits and long-term cost savings due to lower fuel and maintenance expenses. The council is considering the Ford electric Transit chassis as the most viable option, citing the manufacturer’s warranty and reliability, despite concerns about the size and comfort of the vehicle. The council is also in the process of seeking a sponsor to assist with the financial burden, with plans to finalize the order soon after the budget is approved.

Denville School Board Navigates Budget and Facilities Challenges

Overview: The Denville School Board meeting focused on the district’s financial future and infrastructure, with the preliminary 2024-2025 budget presentation taking center stage, reflecting a total of $41,988,000 and an estimated annual impact of $179 on the average assessed home. The budget included provisions for new educational programs, significant labor, and benefit cost increases, special education tuition, professional services, transportation, and capital projects. The board also tackled the feasibility of a property study for potential district expansion and discussed respectful public discourse, school activities, and operational matters such as personnel changes and obsolete equipment disposal.