David Coss

The committee reviewed the proposed 2026 municipal budget and addressed budgetary challenges caused by rising costs in health insurance and fuel. Discussions focused on identifying necessary expenditure reductions across various departments, including streets and roads, snow removal, firehouse loan repayment, municipal court, engineering, fire safety, and public grounds maintenance. Capital fund adjustments were also made, specifically regarding road improvements and equipment purchases, while funds were reallocated to support future road work projects.

The committee held a special meeting to address the fourth round of affordable housing compliance requirements. This included the second reading and adoption of multiple ordinances related to zoning amendments for affordable accessory apartments, senior housing overlay zones, residential zones, and the repeal and replacement of the affordable housing chapter of the township code. Additionally, the committee passed several resolutions to adopt the affordable housing trust fund spending plan, an affirmative marketing plan, a housing rehabilitation program manual, and an accessory apartment program manual. The committee also designated an administrative agent, appointed a municipal housing liaison, and endorsed the amended fourth round housing element and fair share plan.

The committee addressed several ordinances and resolutions, including the adoption of salary-related ordinances, the appointment of a risk management consultant and fund commissioner, and tax-related actions. Discussions were held regarding commercial truck traffic on State Route 23, the termination of the Township Housing Official, cable franchise renewal negotiations with Altice, the potential for cannabis cultivation, Fire Department air-pack maintenance strategies, and updates to municipal kennel regulations. Additionally, the committee selected a design for new welcome signs, reviewed status updates on land sale foreclosures, analyzed departmental reports from the Tax Collector, Construction, and Zoning departments, and discussed architectural proposals for the community center kitchen.

The committee held a workshop discussion regarding the 2025 budget.

The Budget Workshop focused on reviewing departmental requests for the 2026 budget. Discussions included the Montague Volunteer Fire Department's request for increased funding for First Responders and a staggered replacement schedule for Scott Air Packs, with the department agreeing to provide an appraisal of trade-in values. The Blue Ridge Rescue Squad presented their request, highlighting facility issues like a failed septic system and roof leaks, and seeking assistance in securing additional municipal support to supplement volunteer staffing with paid EMTs. The Committee reviewed Capital Improvement Fund items, including road work and equipment purchases, and conducted a line-by-line review of operating expenses across various departments. The Committee tentatively agreed to a 5% salary increase for most municipal employees while keeping the overall general budget increase within a target range of 2.5% to 3%.