The meeting’s most pressing topic was the unanimous adoption of Ordinance 2026 col 16, which authorizes an increase in the municipal budget beyond standard appropriation limits and establishes a cap bank. Steven Wilcox, the borough auditor, highlighted these economic challenges during a public hearing on the 2026 municipal budget. He emphasized that despite the difficult financial landscape, the budget would not necessitate layoffs or service cuts, though it would require a tax increase. He stated, “Together, the municipal taxes and the school taxes are going up $233 net, which was a lot better than our original projections,” illustrating a positive outcome amidst financial constraints.

The council also addressed the need for vehicle replacement for the New Milford Police Department, which received unanimous support. A police vehicle involved in a collision will be replaced, with insurance covering the current lease and contributing to the down payment for a new lease.

In addition to financial matters, the council focused on community and environmental projects. The Environmental and Energy Commission presented a site plan for the Pine Avenue Native Plant and Urban Rain Garden project. The initiative aims to create an educational and community space that also contributes to flood mitigation and forestry restoration. The site plan includes ADA-compliant pathways, multi-use community spaces, and areas for public art, with a focus on introducing native wildflowers and pollinator plants. While the project is still in the planning stage, the council discussed the potential for securing grants to fund its implementation.

In line with environmental and community engagement goals, the council discussed two key grant opportunities. The first involves a community gardening project designed to enhance local engagement through plantings and cleanups. This project was described as a “legacy project” with the potential to inspire ongoing community service. The second grant opportunity focuses on regional resiliency planning, with the borough participating in an application process for funding provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant aims to develop regional resilience action plans addressing stormwater management and flooding, requiring collaboration with neighboring municipalities and local nonprofit organizations.

The meeting also covered upcoming community events, including a scholarship barbecue, an antiracism symposium, and the Memorial Day parade, set for May 25, 2023. The New Milford Swim Club’s opening day will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and public service gas pipe upgrades are scheduled to begin in late May.

As the meeting progressed, a council member expressed appreciation for legislative efforts aimed at preventing overdevelopment, particularly concerning the builder’s remedy in exclusionary zoning litigation.