The introduction of the 2025 budget was a significant focal point, presented against the backdrop of substantial financial pressures. Rising service costs threaten the borough’s ability to maintain service levels without imposing significant tax increases. The council is grappling with a projected 5.75% cost increase due to escalating expenses in multiple areas, including cybersecurity, health liabilities, worker compensation, and a notable 8.2% hike in the fire hydrant fee, which now costs $230,000 annually. Electricity expenses are expected to climb by 17%, totaling $205,000 per year, with state and police pension payments rising by 6% and 13%, respectively. Additionally, recycling contracts have surged by 28%, contributing an extra $75,000 to the budget, while the emergency dispatch contract has increased by 15%, adding $33,000.

In response to these financial strains, the council has implemented budget cuts, including the elimination of one police officer position, two parks department roles, and part-time garbage positions. The recreation and engineering budgets have been reduced by 30% and 42%, respectively. Despite these cuts, the overall budget has still increased by $596,853.16, representing a 2.4% rise from the previous year. A tax levy increase of 2.5% over the 2024 levy will result in an additional $385,550.21 in taxes, with the municipal tax rate set at 611 and an average residential home assessed at $483,000 expected to pay $2,951 in municipal taxes.

The council also discussed the use of surplus funds, clarifying that $1.3 million would be utilized, with an additional $100,000 added to the remaining surplus, thus maintaining a positive net impact for future budgets. The need for new revenue sources was emphasized, with suggestions for redevelopment projects to bolster revenue, although Middlesex’s landlocked status presents challenges to such initiatives.

Public comments during the budget discussion included inquiries about community event costs, such as Community Day, and suggestions for combining events with National Night Out to enhance participation. Residents expressed appreciation for the council’s budget management efforts, acknowledging the difficult decisions made to balance fiscal responsibility and service provision.

Beyond the budget, the council addressed several infrastructure and community safety issues. A significant concern was the functionality of the borough’s 315 fire hydrants, especially given previous incidents of pressure loss during fires. An email from American Water confirmed that all hydrants were certified as functional, yet the certification process details remained unclear. The council also explored the potential of transitioning to a full-time fire company, given the current challenges in volunteer firefighter recruitment and retention. Concerns were raised about the community’s future fire service needs, with recommendations for investigating what a full-time transition would entail for taxpayers.

Another pressing community issue discussed was the recent increase in rat sightings. The council attributed this to possible environmental factors, such as the construction of a flood wall displacing rats from their natural habitats. Strategies to mitigate the problem include maintaining yard cleanliness and using organic repellents. The council also highlighted efforts to improve garbage management, such as transitioning from open cans to covered dumpsters, to reduce rat attraction.

The council meeting also featured discussions on community enhancement projects, notably the ongoing streetscape project funded by a $1.5 million grant. The completion of the Cookfield playground and the scheduled installation of the Mountain View Park playground in August were also reported. The parks department is engaged in property cleanups across the borough, with new benches installed to enhance the streetscape.

The potential economic benefits of the film industry in New Jersey were another topic of interest. The council discussed the need to attract production companies to Middlesex to generate revenue and mitigate resident taxes. Comparisons were made with neighboring towns like Bound Brook and Plainfield, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in accommodating film activities.

Finally, public safety and code enforcement were addressed, with residents expressing concerns about overcrowding and illegal activities on Dayton Street. The council assured residents that these concerns would be taken seriously, promising to address the issues through effective enforcement of existing codes and regulations.