Ridgewood Council Introduces 2026 Budget with a 3.98% Tax Levy Increase Amid Rising Costs

Overview: The Ridgewood Council introduced the 2026 municipal budget during its recent meeting, highlighting a 3.98% increase in the tax levy compared to 2025, largely due to significant rises in health benefits costs. The budget presentation, postponed from the previous month, was the primary focus of the meeting, addressing financial challenges and outlining priorities for the coming year.

Ridgewood School Board Reviews Retirements, Financial Health, and Homeschooling Policy

Overview: The Ridgewood School Board meeting covered a range of topics, with focus on honoring retirees, discussing the district’s financial health, and revising homeschooling policies. The session highlighted emotional farewells to long-serving staff, detailed financial adjustments, and deliberated the extent of access homeschooled students should have to district resources.

Ridgewood Council Discusses Shedler Remediation Costs Amid Community Concerns

Overview: During the recent Ridgewood Council meeting, discussions focused heavily on the financial and logistical challenges of the Shedler remediation project. The council reviewed bids for the project, with the lowest bid coming in at $2.6 million—an amount substantially above the initially bonded $1.5 million, raising concerns from both council members and residents. This discrepancy prompted discussions on how to manage potential financial overruns and the implications for taxpayer funding.

Ridgewood Council Grapples with Rising Health Insurance and Capital Costs in Budget Talks

Overview: In a detailed budget meeting, the Ridgewood Council faced significant challenges related to rising health insurance costs and debated the allocation of funds for essential capital projects. The council deliberated strategies to stabilize healthcare expenses without compromising employee benefits while exploring potential revenue enhancements and cost-saving measures.

Ridgewood School Board Confronts Heating Issues and Gifted Program Enhancements

Overview: The Ridgewood School Board meeting was marked by a detailed exploration of issues, including the ongoing problems with heating systems in district schools and the introduction of an enhanced gifted and talented program. The board acknowledged the historical challenges with the heating systems, particularly in older buildings, and committed to implementing permanent solutions. They also discussed the rollout of a tiered educational program to better serve students with advanced academic needs, emphasizing inclusivity and equitable access across all schools.