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.
Budget Process and Presentation
The meeting focused on the 2026 budget, with department heads presenting their requests and justifications. Council members asked clarifying questions about increases, offsets, and the impact of grants and shared services. There was a recurring theme of ensuring clarity in presentations and understanding the financial implications of budget items.
Trees
A resident requested the inclusion of 250 trees in the budget. The council discussed the distinction between shade trees and park trees, the feasibility of planting such a large number, and the importance of homeowner requests and care for street trees.
Budget Presentation Clarity for Remote Attendees
A resident requested that speakers speak clearly and slowly, provide their names, and offer specific budget figures (2025 vs. 2026) to help remote attendees follow the complex financial discussions.
Tax Reassessment
The tax assessor presented the budget, which includes significant costs for a state-mandated tax reassessment. The council discussed the funding options, the timeline for the reassessment, and its potential impact on property values and taxation.
Staffing Needs (Building Department)
The building department requested a part-time inspector to address a backlog in inspections, highlighting the need to comply with code requirements and improve service to residents and businesses.
IT Infrastructure and Costs
The MIS department presented their budget, which includes increases for software licensing and hardware. The council discussed the necessity of these costs, the potential for cost savings, and the long-term benefits of maintaining local servers.
Public Library Funding and Services
The library presented its budget, emphasizing its statutory funding and the use of private funds for programming and improvements. The library highlighted its revenue generation through passport services and building leases, as well as its efforts to maintain and upgrade its facilities and collections.
Budget Review and Cost Savings
Council members actively engaged in reviewing various departmental budgets, identifying areas for potential cost savings and scrutinizing line items for increases without corresponding service expansions.
Technology Adoption (AI, Software Upgrades)
The adoption of new technologies, including AI for minute preparation and upgraded software for the fire department, was discussed as a means to improve efficiency and potentially reduce costs.
Capital Improvement Needs
Several departments presented capital requests for essential equipment and infrastructure, such as computer replacements, police radios, fire engines, and building maintenance, highlighting the long-term benefits of these investments.
Public Safety Department Budgets (Police and Fire)
The police and fire departments presented their budgets, addressing staffing, new contracts, operational expenses, and capital needs, with a focus on maintaining service levels and addressing mandates.
Healthcare Costs and Employee Benefits
The discussion around healthcare costs, particularly for the library staff, highlighted the village's new healthcare plan and the potential for cost savings for both employees and the municipality.
Legal Advertising and Public Notice Requirements
Changes in legal advertising requirements, including the shift towards online publication and the associated costs, were discussed by the Village Clerk.
Election Administration and Voting Procedures
The Village Clerk provided an overview of election-related expenses and discussed the potential for cost savings through consolidating polling locations, while acknowledging resident preferences for in-person voting.
Fire Department Capital Expenses
Discussion around the need for a new fire engine, including funding, delivery times, and the process of placing an order. The council also discussed the replacement of garage doors at the firehouse and the potential need for a third ambulance and its storage location.
Clerk's Office and Elections Budget
Review of the Village Clerk's budget, including increases for office supplies related to AI minute preparation software and village code updates. The elections budget was also discussed, with an increase for legal ads due to a municipal election and higher-than-expected charges from Bergen County for primary election expenses.
Legal Advertisement Changes
Explanation of new state laws regarding legal advertisements, requiring municipalities to post them on their websites twice a month. The change aims to save money by eventually moving away from newspaper advertising for most official notices.
Polling Locations
Discussion on the possibility of reducing polling locations due to the increase in early voting. However, it was noted that some residents prefer in-person voting and that cost savings might not be significant, especially with paper ballots.
Review of Sheet 29 Line Items
Council members discussed reviewing line items on sheet 29 for potential scrubbing to reduce costs for the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of these items to operational effectiveness.
Capital Request for Computer Replacement
The council discussed the capital request for computer replacement across multiple departments, with a focus on maintaining a five to six-year replacement cycle to ensure functional equipment.
Public Library Budget Presentation
The Public Library presented their budget, highlighting statutory funding requirements and their efforts to supplement municipal funding through various revenue streams and the Friends Foundation.
Police Department Budget Presentation
The Police Department presented their budget, focusing on the new PBA contract, increased calls for service, and capital requests for radios, vehicle outfitting, and body-worn cameras.
Fire Department Budget Presentation
The Fire Department presented their budget, detailing increases in operating expenses due to preventive maintenance for vehicles and new software, as well as capital requests for a new engine and garage door replacement.
Village Clerk's Office and Elections Budget
The Village Clerk presented the budget for her office and elections, noting the adoption of AI for minute preparation and changes to legal advertising requirements.
Public Health Department Budget
25:07Dawn presented the Public Health Department budget, noting no changes in headcount from 2025. The budget is impacted by grant funding and shared services agreements, and includes adjustments for maternity leaves and a reduction of one full-time employee who moved to MAWA. The department is also covering part-time REHS staff through June with grant money.
Animal Control Budget
30:45Dawn discussed the Animal Control budget, which remains largely the same with an annual increase in the contract with Tao. An increase in the budget is due to the geese program, which was offset by a grant last year but will not be this year. The department is working with Tao on strategies to control the geese population, including expanding the addling program.
Tax Assessor Budget
35:20Bill Palumbo, the Tax Assessor, presented the budget, which includes no change in staff. A significant increase in 'other expenses' is due to the state-mandated tax reassessment, with half of the $500,000 cost allocated for this year. The budget also accounts for increases in tax map maintenance, legal services for the Valley Hospital situation, and appraisal services for tax appeals.
Building Department Budget
43:21Anthony Merino from the Building Department requested a part-time building inspector to address a two-week backlog in building inspections, which is a violation of the Uniform Construction Code. The department has seen an increase in permits and inspections. The addition of a part-time inspector is expected to bring them in line with the three-day inspection requirement.
MIS Department Budget
49:31Neil Gone and Dylan Hansen presented the MIS budget, highlighting increases in licensing fees for the Exchange server and the VMware system for the phone system due to a buyout and licensing structure changes. Renewals for email archive and email filter services also contribute to the budget. The department is exploring alternative packages for the phone system and reviewing cloud services for potential cost savings.
MIS Capital Budget
1:01:45Dylan presented the MIS capital request for computer replacement, aiming to replace computers every five to six years to maintain functionality across departments. The request is for $80,000 to replace computers in various departments, including police and village hall. The department prefers local servers for long-term cost-effectiveness compared to cloud services.
Public Library Budget Presentation
1:05:17Lori Steinbacher, Library Director, presented the library's budget, which is statutorily funded by a third of a mill. The 2026 budget is approximately 15% higher than the previous year, focusing on sustainability and expanding access to books and digital materials. The library also generates revenue through its passport acceptance facility and leases in the PE's building, which helps supplement municipal funding.
A.L. requested that the budget include funding for 250 trees to honor the country's 250th anniversary, emphasizing that these should be actual trees, not just saplings, and a priority in the budget.
D.L. requested that speakers speak clearly, slowly, and loudly into the microphone. She also asked for department heads to provide their first and last names, and for 2025 budget amounts and 2026 recommendations to be provided, along with explanations for any increases (must-have vs. nice-to-have and impact of not funding).
Mayor Vagianos clarified that 'shade trees' are in the right-of-way and 'park trees' are separate budget items. He stated that the village has never planted 250 street trees and that the number would likely be a combination of street and park trees. He also mentioned that the village has had success with street trees upon homeowner request and that park development, such as at Schedler Field, will include many trees.
Council Member Perron clarified that when the Mayor mentioned 'no appetite,' he was referring to residents not having an appetite for trees, not the council's. She shared an anecdote about homeowners rejecting tree plantings and noted that rejection rates were high in Mayor Vagianos' neighborhood.
Council Member Camarck confirmed that prior budgets are available on the website and that more information will be available online as the process continues.
Mayor Vagianos asked for clarification on the health department's budget numbers, noting that the requested increase seemed larger than the indicated 2% increase. He questioned the discrepancy between the total budget request and the 2% increase calculation.
Council Member Camarck explained that the health department is unique due to grant offsets and a shared services agreement with MAWA, which offsets a significant portion of Dawn's compensation. He stated that after these offsets, the department is only about $170 over 2%.
Mayor Vagianos sought confirmation that the 'actual out of pocket expenditure' is what affects taxation after other revenues are applied.
Council Member Camarck confirmed that the figures affect taxation after other revenues are applied.
Mayor Vagianos asked for clarification on the tax reassessment cost, recalling that Keith had mentioned it would be paid out over several years.
Council Member Camarck explained that the reassessment cost can be split over two years or funded through a special emergency resolution spread over five years. He stated their initial intention is to split it over two years but acknowledged it might have to move to the special emergency option.
Mayor Vagianos inquired about the impact of the reassessment on property values, asking if assessments were expected to change dramatically and if the tax rate would change accordingly.
Mr. Palumbo explained that generally, a third of assessments go up, a third go down, and a third stay the same. He clarified that assessments will rise to 100% market value, but the tax rate will change based on the municipality's required revenue, not just increased values.
Mayor Vagianos questioned how the building department could add an employee and still be under the 2% increase, asking for clarification on how this is achieved.
Council Member Camarck explained that the 2% increase applies to the operating side, and salaries and wages are either contractual or based on presented needs.
Mayor Vagianos asked Tony Merino if he needed a part-time or full-time building inspector to bring inspection times within the three-day requirement.
Council Member Perron supported the request for a part-time building inspector, noting the significant delay in inspections and the benefit to the community and businesses.
Mayor Vagianos asked Dylan if every person working for the village needs an email account.
Dylan confirmed that employees need email addresses due to their connection to the time and attendance system.
Mayor Vagianos acknowledged the importance of IT services but asked Dylan and Neil to review line item 29 for potential scrubbing and provide feedback by Monday.
Council Member Hache agreed with the need to review the MIS budget with a fine-tooth comb, noting the $50,000 increase without additional services.
Mayor Vagianos asked for clarification on the MIS capital request, specifically if it was $65,000 or $80,000.
Council Member Camarck clarified that the request was for $80,000, with the priority being computer replacement across departments.
Mayor Vagianos apologized for forgetting to have the library representatives introduce themselves, as suggested by Denise Lima earlier.
Council Member Hache reminded the council that the library's budget presentation is a courtesy, as the library is statutorily funded and its budget is at the discretion of the library board of trustees.
Council Member Perron expressed her appreciation for the IT department's work on the sound system in the meeting room, noting it had always been a point of contention.
Mayor Vagianos agreed with the need to review sheet 29 line items with a fine-tooth comb, acknowledging that some items are vital for operations and that a $50,000 increase without additional services warrants scrutiny.
Council Member Camarck agreed with the need to review sheet 29 line items, noting that the current increase of $50,000 without additional services is concerning and deserves a strong look.
Council Member Perron expressed gratitude to the IT department for enabling hybrid access and improving the sound system, highlighting its importance for interfacing with the community.
Mayor Vagianos acknowledged the IT department's work on the sound system, noting it was a previous point of contention for attendees.
Council Member Camarck inquired about the previous year's capital request for computer replacement, noting a discrepancy in the figures presented.
Council Member Hache asked for clarification on why servers are kept local, inquiring if there are legal reasons.
Mayor Vagianos reminded the council that the library's budget presentation is a courtesy, as the library is statutorily funded and its budget is at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Council Member Perron requested that presenters identify themselves, which she had also forgotten to do.
Council Member Camarck sought confirmation on the library's capital request for carpeting.
Council Member Kuilan commended the library's financial management and the value provided to taxpayers, particularly through private donations and alternative revenue streams.
Mayor Vagianos asked Lori Steinbacher a question regarding the library's healthcare costs.
Council Member Camarck provided an estimate of the village's increase in healthcare costs under the new program, highlighting the savings achieved by employees who moved to the high-deductible plan.
Council Member Perron expressed hope that library employees would consider the new healthcare plan, emphasizing the cost savings for both employees and the village.
Council Member Hache highlighted the library's commitment to alternate revenue sources, such as the rental of the Peas Library building and passport services, and suggested exploring Real ID processing as a potential new revenue stream.
Mayor Vagianos expressed admiration for the library's evolution and its role in serving the community, citing passport processing as a prime example.
Council Member Camarck drew the council's attention to the salaries and wages line item for the police department, noting it as a significant budget item.
Mayor Vagianos sought clarification on whether the two new hires for the police department were replacements.
Council Member Camarck inquired about the resulting headcount for the police department after the proposed hires.
Council Member Perron asked for clarification on the police department's salary figures, noting a discrepancy between the proposed and previous years' numbers.
Council Member Hache asked if a fully staffed police department would eliminate overtime.
Council Member Kuilan commented on the mandatory training mandates for the police department and their impact on overtime costs.
Council Member Camarck recalled a previous conversation about the cost of police radios and expressed dismay at the continued high price.
Council Member Perron asked for clarification on the allocation of funds for vehicle outfitting and radios.
Council Member Hache stated that there is no fluff in the capital requests for the police department, emphasizing the necessity of body-worn cameras as an Attorney General mandate.
Mayor Vagianos noted that other directors would discuss their security concerns and needs at the next budget meeting.
Council Member Camarck inquired about the fire department's staffing levels and any expected retirements.
Council Member Perron questioned the decrease in fire prevention funding.
Council Member Hache asked for a repeat of the explanation regarding John Young's salary.
Council Member Kuilan asked Chief John about the delivery time for the new fire engine.
Council Member Camarck asked about the payment process for the new fire engine, specifically if a deposit or advance payment is required.
Council Member Perron acknowledged the information regarding the garage door replacement and the third ambulance.
Mayor Vagianos expressed enthusiasm for the use of AI in minute preparation and suggested its application for OPRA requests and website information retrieval.
Council Member Camarck inquired about the impact of the new law regarding legal advertisements on election advertisements.
Council Member Perron asked about the possibility of reducing polling locations due to increased early voting.
Join the conversation
Have a question or perspective about this meeting? Residents and community members are welcome.