Dunellen Borough Council Tackles Budget Challenges Amid Rising Health Insurance Costs

Overview: The Dunellen Borough Council meeting on April 6, 2026, focused intensively on the financial pressures facing the municipality, with health insurance costs and budget constraints taking center stage. The council discussed strategies to manage the fiscal year 2026 budget, highlighting significant savings achieved by exiting the state health insurance benefit plan, which avoided a 36.5% cost increase and saved the borough approximately $340,000. The meeting also covered the introduction of the 2026 municipal budget, emphasizing the limited discretionary spending available and the plans to manage rising costs in various sectors, including public safety and infrastructure.

Dunellen Council Seeks $2.5 Million for Library Renovation and Addresses Infrastructure Improvements

Overview: During the Dunellen Borough Council meeting on March 16, 2026, discussions centered on securing federal funding for the renovation and modernization of the Arnold A. Schwarz Memorial Library and the advancement of several infrastructure projects.

Dunellen Council Addresses Affordable Housing Compliance Amidst Growing Pressure

Overview: The Dunellen Borough Council meeting prominently focused on the borough’s compliance with state-mandated affordable housing regulations. Discussions centered around three crucial land use ordinances that need approval by March 16, 2026, to safeguard the borough from potential builder’s remedy lawsuits until 2035. These ordinances are essential for fulfilling the borough’s affordable housing obligations, which have become increasingly significant due to changes in state regulations and scrutiny from the Fair Share Housing Center.

Dunellen Council Discusses Sewer Rate Increase and Capital Improvement Plan Amid Public Concerns

Overview: The recent Dunellen Borough Council meeting focused heavily on the future of the borough’s sewer utility, with discussions surrounding a proposed rate increase and a strategic capital improvement plan. The council decided against privatizing the utility after finding the sole bid of $5 million from American Water unsatisfactory. Instead, they will implement a new fee structure to facilitate necessary system upgrades, which include a flat rate increase and a new usage fee set to begin next year.

Watchung Hills School Board Grapples With Policy 5756 and Celebrates Student Successes

Overview: The Watchung Hills School Board meeting was marked by a debate over policy 5756, concerning the participation of students in sports based on gender identity, alongside recognition of student achievements across various disciplines. The board also delved into strategic planning and budgetary discussions.