Washington Town Council Scrutinizes Budget, Tables Key Items

Overview: In a recent Washington (Bergen) Town Council meeting, attention was devoted to the 2024 budget with particular scrutiny on allocations for office supplies, postage, training, and computer services. The council engaged in discussions and made decisions on various line items. Notably, the council voted to reduce the postage budget by $700, impacting the distribution of township calendars, and considered a $300 cut in office supplies. Discussions were also robust around the necessity of budget reductions in areas such as books, subscriptions, and travel expenses.

Town Council Tackles Affordable Housing and Budget Concerns

Overview: In a recent meeting, the Washington (Bergen) Town Council tackled issues related to the new affordable housing regulations, the proposed 2024 budget, and various community projects. The meeting’s most discussions centered around the challenges posed by the new affordable housing regulations, which are considered more onerous than previous mandates, and the comprehensive plan to update the 1974 master plan in anticipation of these changes.

Westwood School Board Grapples with Policy Changes and Legal Opinion Debates

Overview: In a recent Westwood School Board meeting, members engaged in discussions over educational policy changes, the process for seeking legal opinions, and the implementation of health curriculum standards. The meeting was marked by a series of debates that underscored the complex dynamics at play within the board, reflecting differing viewpoints on curriculum content, policy necessity, and communication strategies.

Washington Township Council Debates Property Reassessment, Health Plan Changes, and Tax Fairness

Overview: In a recent Washington Township Council meeting, members deliberated on a wide range of issues, including the potential reassessment of property values and the implementation of a new health insurance plan for town employees. The discussion on tax revaluation was a focal point, with the council considering the merits of conducting a complete reassessment, possibly followed by a four or six-year assessment cycle. This approach is aimed at reflecting the true market values of properties, particularly in light of upcoming developments, as highlighted by Township Engineer Glen Beckmeyer. The council mulled over three options for tax reassessment and the financial implications for taxpayers, with Council President Michael Ullman advocating for a multi-year plan to reassess more properties over a longer period.

Westwood School Board Debates Removing Book From Middle School Libraries, Discusses Superintendent Search

Overview: In a recent session, the Westwood School Board tackled a series of issues, from an discussion over the presence of certain books in the middle school media center to the ongoing search for a new superintendent. The board also grappled with the implications of policy 5756, which has been a subject of contention.