The Borough Brief: 03/18/2026
8:00 am - 10:00 am
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Coffee With the Council
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Saturday, 3/21
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8:00 am - 10:00 am 〰️ Coffee With the Council 〰️ Saturday, 3/21 〰️
Dear Mendham Neighbors,
At this week’s meeting, Council voted to introduce the 2026 municipal budget. Municipal budgeting follows a specific state-mandated process and in this issue’s Government, Explained, we break down what that timeline looks like and how residents can stay informed and involved. The public hearing and final adoption of the budget are scheduled for April 15.
We also had the opportunity to hear a great presentation from representatives of the Mountain View Middle School baseball team, who are seeking approval to paint the dugouts at Borough Park. We appreciate their initiative and community spirit, and we look forward to seeing their efforts help enhance this shared space.
Finally, we hope you’ll join us for Coffee with the Council this Saturday, March 21, from 8–10am at Dunkin. Stop by, grab a cup of coffee (on us!), and share what’s on your mind. We’ll also be joined by a few special guests. We hope to see you there.
As always, this issue of The Borough Brief breaks down what Council acted on, why it matters, and what happens next, along with a deeper look at how Mendham’s form of government is structured to make these decisions.
With appreciation,
Councilmember Alexandra Henry Traut
Councilmember Matthew Bruin
PLEASE NOTE: This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
The Breakdown
The Breakdown is a recurring series where we explain important resolutions and ordinances that come before the Borough Council. Each issue will break down what was proposed, what was decided, why it matters, and what happens next in clear and straightforward terms. Full agendas and minutes are available on the Borough website.
2026 Municipal Budget Introduction
What it was: Council took the first formal step in the 2026 budget process by introducing the FY2026 Municipal Budget (Resolution #064-2026), alongside two related measures:
An ordinance to exceed the State’s 2% budget cap and increase appropriations by up to 3.5%, as permitted under New Jersey law
A required certification (Resolution #063-2026) confirming the Borough’s hiring practices comply with federal equal employment opportunity guidelines
The cap ordinance allows for an additional 1.5% increase (about $123,000) beyond the standard cap, and also establishes a “cap bank,” which allows unused increases to be carried forward to future years.
Why it matters: These actions are a routine part of the annual budget process.
The cap ordinance provides flexibility to address rising costs while staying within State rules
The budget introduction makes the full financial plan publicly available
The EEOC certification is required before the budget can be submitted to the State
What happens next: The introduced budget will be reviewed by the State and will come back to Council for a public hearing and final adoption on April 15, 2026. Residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide public comment before the budget is finalized.
2025 Budget Transfers (Current Fund & Sewer Utility)
What it was: Council approved two resolutions (Resolution #065-2026 and #066-2026) authorizing line-item budget transfers within the 2025 budget:
One for the Current Fund (general operations)
One for the Sewer Utility Operating Fund
These transfers allow the Borough’s Chief Financial Officer to shift funds between accounts to cover areas where expenses were higher than expected, using funds from accounts with surpluses.
Why it matters: This is a standard year-end financial practice that helps ensure all bills and obligations are properly covered before closing out the budget year.
These transfers do not increase the overall budget
They simply reallocate existing funds to reflect actual spending needs
What happens next: These adjustments help finalize the Borough’s 2025 financials and ensure a clean transition into the 2026 budget year.
Resolution #067-2026 Public Safety Director Contract Extension
What it was: Council approved a resolution to extend the employment agreement of Public Safety Director William F. Craig, Jr. through June 30, 2026. Mr. Craig was originally appointed in November 2024, with prior extensions already in place. This action continues his service under the same terms.
Why it matters: This ensures continuity in public safety leadership, allowing the Borough to maintain stable oversight of police and emergency services while we continue the process to appoint a new Chief of Police.
What happens next: Mr. Craig will continue serving as Public Safety Director through June 30, 2026, under the current agreement terms.
Resolution #069-2026 Mendham Day Camp Fees
What it was: Council approved a resolution to update the Borough’s 2026 Fee Schedule by adding registration fees for the Mendham Day Camp. The approved pricing structure is:
$128 – early registration
$161 – regular registration
$188 – in-season registration
Why it matters: This formalizes pricing for a popular local summer program and encourages early sign-ups through discounted rates.
What happens next: The updated fees take effect immediately and will apply to the upcoming 2026 camp registration period.
Resolution #070-2026 IT Services Contract Extension
What it was: Council approved a resolution to extend the Borough’s contract with Peggnet Computers for Information Technology (IT) services for one year.
The extension runs from October 28, 2025 through October 27, 2026, at a total cost of $80,850, under the same terms as the original agreement.
Why it matters: This ensures the Borough maintains ongoing IT support, including system maintenance, security, and day-to-day technical operations.
What happens next: Peggnet Computers will continue providing IT services to the Borough through October 2026 under the extended agreement.
Government, Explained
Government Explained is a recurring series where we take time to explain how local government works in simple terms. Each issue will focus on a different topic we believe will be helpful for residents, breaking down the process, roles, and decisions so it is easier to understand what is happening and why it matters. A lot of the questions we hear from residents come down to process. Why something happened when it did, why certain discussions aren’t public yet, or who is responsible for what. Understanding how local government works can help distinguish between a true lack of transparency and legal or procedural requirements that guide how and when decisions are made.
This Month’s Topic: How the Municipal Budget Process Works in New Jersey
TL;DR: New Jersey municipalities must follow a state-mandated budget process.
The budget is prepared → introduced → reviewed by the State → publicly heard → adopted.
Residents have an opportunity to comment before adoption.
Most towns finalize their budgets in the spring.
Municipal budgets in New Jersey follow a state-mandated process and timeline established under the Local Budget Law and overseen by the New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. While the details vary by town, the legal steps are the same across the state.
Step 1: Budget Preparation
Early in the year, the Borough Administrator, Chief Financial Officer, and department heads begin preparing the proposed budget. This includes reviewing prior-year spending, projecting revenues, and identifying operational and capital needs.
Step 2: Budget Introduction
Once the draft budget is ready, Council introduces it by resolution at a public meeting. At that point, the document becomes public and a public hearing date is scheduled.
Step 3: State Review
After introduction, the budget is submitted to the State for review to ensure it complies with statutory requirements, including tax levy caps and financial reporting rules.
Step 4: Public Hearing
Before the budget can be adopted, the Borough must hold a public hearing where residents can ask questions or provide comments.
Step 5: Budget Adoption
Following the public hearing, Council may vote to adopt the budget, making it the Borough’s official financial plan for the year. Because of these required steps, including State review, municipal budgets are typically adopted in the spring, rather than at the beginning of the calendar year.
Looking Ahead
We hope you will join us for our next Coffee with the Council on Saturday, March 21 from 8:00 am to 10 am. Please mark your calendars.
These informal gatherings are a great opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and have open conversations with your elected officials in a relaxed setting outside of a formal meeting. We look forward to connecting with residents and continuing the conversation.
In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. Our contact information is listed below.
How to Stay Engaged
📅 Next Council Meeting: April 1st, 2026 @ The Garabrant Center | 4 Wilson Street, Mendham
📧 Reach Out: atraut@mendhamnj.org | mbruin@mendhamnj.org
🗣️ Get Involved: Attend a meeting or reach out if you have questions, concerns, or ideas you’d like to see covered in future newsletters.
📱 Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram: Stay up to date with news, reminders, and community updates.
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This newsletter is intended to share information and context about local government and community issues. It is not an official Borough communication.
