Special Budget Meeting

The Village Council of Ridgewood held a Special Public Budget Meeting on January 21-22, 2026, to review and discuss departmental budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with public comments, including a resident's request for increased funding for trees and another's plea for clearer budget presentations. Departmental presentations covered a wide range of services, from Public Health and Animal Control to the Tax Assessor, Building Department, and MIS. Key discussions included the significant costs associated with a state-mandated tax reassessment, the need for additional staffing in the Building Department to meet inspection timelines, and the rising expenses for IT infrastructure and software licensing. The Public Library presented its budget, highlighting its statutory funding, revenue generation efforts, and community services. Later sessions focused on the budgets for the Police and Fire Departments, addressing staffing, new contracts, operational needs, and crucial capital requests for equipment and vehicles. The Village Clerk's office and elections budget also underwent review, with attention given to technology adoption, such as AI for minute preparation, and changes in legal advertising requirements. Throughout the two-day meeting, council members actively engaged with department heads, seeking clarification on budget line items, questioning increases, and exploring potential cost-saving measures. The council emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility while ensuring essential services are maintained and capital improvement needs are met. Discussions also touched upon the village's healthcare plan and its impact on employees and the municipality. The meeting concluded with the adjournment of the council after a thorough review of the presented budgets and a preview of upcoming agenda items.