The borough’s 2025 budget presentation was a focal point of the meeting, with an emphasis on a proposed municipal tax rate of 0.987, equating to approximately 98 cents per $100 of assessed property value. This represents a 1.96% increase from the previous year. The budget aims to support a total expenditure of $40,759,410, with a property tax revenue goal of $27,143,658, marking a $579,000 increase from last year. The average assessed home value in Rutherford is now $439,500, leading to a projected average municipal tax bill of $4,339.49, a rise of $83.38 from the previous year.

The borough administrator explained that increased construction fees and depleted COVID-related state aid have influenced revenue forecasts. Local revenues have risen by $330,000, although state aid decreased by $144,000. The budget also anticipates a positive trend in revenues from liquor licenses and hotel taxes, counterbalanced by a decline in cable franchise fees as more residents switch to streaming services.

The meeting also addressed concerns regarding the budget’s rigidity, with many costs categorized as non-discretionary. These include insurance premiums, utilities, and pension payments, largely dictated by state mandates. Rising healthcare premiums are a particular concern, having seen a unique billing situation in 2023 that allowed a lower increase, a situation unlikely to repeat in coming years. The council discussed the challenges of finding areas for discretionary spending cuts amidst these constraints.

Capital improvements were also on the agenda, with two related ordinances proposed. One million dollars is allocated for street and sidewalk improvements on Fair View Avenue, Wood Street, and Irving Place, pending bid evaluations. The Department of Public Works plans to acquire a Ford F450 for snow operations and a K Cabota for Memorial Field as part of expanded programming. Additionally, the budget includes $2.1 million for park improvements, focusing on Memorial Field, with an extra $2 million from state appropriations.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to addressing public inquiries about a liquor license associated with Mambo at Empanada on Union Avenue and a bonding ordinance for equipment purchases. Concerns were raised about the appropriateness of bonding for items like volleyball and computer equipment, which typically do not have a 13-year lifespan. A council member assured that all items had been vetted through bond counsel for legal eligibility.

The council further discussed a resolution awarding a plenary retail consumption license with specific conditions, which passed unanimously. A noteworthy announcement was made regarding a successful $536,000 grant application for the “Tamblin Together” project. The council president highlighted the importance of community involvement in the grant application process and stressed the project’s significance in supporting children of all abilities.

The meeting also covered a variety of community initiatives, including a repair café event organized by the green team, planned for May 17 at the library. This event encourages community volunteers to help repair broken household items, supporting sustainability efforts. The council member praised the partnership with the Department of Public Works, which is transitioning from gas-powered to electric leaf blowers and exploring the establishment of a community compost bin.

In addition, noise concerns related to aircraft operations from a nearby facility were discussed, with a new representative from the Teeterborough Aircraft Noise Abatement Advisory Committee pledging to address these issues. Residents were urged to file complaints on the committee’s website to quantify their concerns.