May 20, 2025 Council Meeting

May 23

Below you will find a summary of the main points from the May 2025 Council Meeting. The full meeting is available to watch by clicking here and the 2025 budget presentation is available here.

Council Approves $18.5M Budget Amid Tax Hike and Service Cuts

RINGWOOD, NJ — The Ringwood Borough Council unanimously approved a $18.5 million budget for 2025 at a public hearing on May 20, ushering in a 3.8% property tax increase and deep cuts to public services, including the library, recreation, and health departments.

Council members Noonan and Echols were absent for the vote, which included the support of Councilman Paul Rubacky, who is seeking re-election this November. Rubacky previously chaired the Board of Education’s budget committee, where he failed to alert the public to a $1 million drop in school funding—an oversight that ultimately led to the dismissal of 30 teachers and staff.

The 2025 executive budget totals $18,499,460—an increase of $390,337 over last year. Of that, $13,401,341 will be raised through local taxes, while $5,098,118 will come from other revenue sources such as state aid, grants, and cell tower fees.

The budget contrasts starkly with that of neighboring West Milford, which approved a reduction in spending—$234,044 less than the prior year—and kept its local tax levy flat.

Residents will also see a 4% increase in water rates.

Among the largest cost increases in Ringwood’s budget are:

• Healthcare for borough employees: +$251,000

• New garbage contract: +$200,000

• Police salaries and wages: +$162,500

• Streets and roads maintenance: +$87,000

• Volunteer retirement program: +$60,000

• Liability insurance: +$26,400

• Utilities: +$24,000

Missing from this list is the new expense of renting the Parish Hall from St Catherine’s church which costs the Borough $84k a year.

Meanwhile, the cuts are significant. The Ringwood Library will see a $50,000 reduction—about 8% of its annual budget—potentially impacting services and programming.

In a move that continues to draw scrutiny, the council previously tapped into its rainy day fund to make a $1 million cash purchase of the Pagano property on Skyline Drive. The acquisition was made without public input or a clear redevelopment plan, raising questions about the borough’s long-term financial planning and transparency—especially as budget pressures now force cuts to essential community services.

The council’s decision has raised concerns among residents already wary of rising costs and diminishing community resources.