At its March 3 meeting, the Pennington Borough Council introduced the proposed 2025 budget and reviewed the mobility element of the master plan. Other topics included stormwater management, traffic and safety, recycling, and fire department updates.
2025 Budget Overview
Borough Administrator G.P. Caminiti presented the proposed $4.8 million budget, outlining expenses and revenues. He clarified that the discussion pertained only to the Borough’s budget, separate from county and school budgets.
Caminiti explained key budget terms, noting that appropriations cover required expenses such as health benefits, insurance, salaries, financial audits, and legal services, many of which are non-discretionary. Revenues include property taxes, state aid, fees, fines, and the borough’s cannabis tax, which is projected to generate approximately $42,000.
“We try to reduce operating expenses as much as possible,” Caminiti said, citing a couple examples: consolidating staff and reducing health care costs. “Everything we do is reviewed monthly, quarterly, and annually,” he said.
Chief Financial Officer Sandra Webb reviewed the budget, which includes a tax increase of 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. Based on the average home assessment of $488,834, municipal taxes would total $2,811—an increase of $122 from 2024. The library tax would rise by $12 to $222.
Webb noted that budget drivers include engineering services, buildings and grounds, planning and zoning, road maintenance, garbage collection, pension, and Social Security costs. Non-discretionary expenses total $1.9 million, or 39.5% of the budget.
Council members Charles Marciante and John Valenza expressed concern over rising costs, with Marciante warning that increasing expenses could drive out longtime residents. Valenza urged the council to cut expenses before the budget is finalized in April.
In response, Mayor James Davy and council members defended their cost-saving measures, noting that municipal tax increases have remained below inflation in recent years and that employees are contributing to their health insurance costs. Council member Kit Chandler said they were looking at grant opportunities and Council member Dan Rubenstein mentioned bundling public works projects to reduce costs.
After discussion, the council voted to introduce the budget, with all members in favor except Valenza.
Mobility Element of the 2025 Master Plan
Planning Board Chair Jim Reilly announced updates to the mobility element of the borough’s master plan, focusing on pedestrian, cyclist, scooter, and skateboard accessibility alongside cars, trucks, and buses.
The plan will be presented at an online Planning and Zoning Board meeting on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. Reilly expects the full master plan to be completed by fall.
Council members commended the volunteer-led effort, which has saved the borough significant consultant fees.
Combatting stormwater pollution and flooding
Council approved a resolution to partner with Princeton, Hopewell Township, and Lawrence Township in hiring One Water Consulting, LLC to develop a Stony Brook Watershed Management Plan. By partnering with the other towns around the Stony Brook, the Borough can save money and find ways to help combat flooding across municipal lines. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection is requiring municipalities to submit various reports ahead of a final watershed improvement plan in 2027.
Municipal Policy Specialist Susan Bristol, from The Watershed Institute, supported the resolution, and Valenza and Rubenstein praised the cost-sharing approach.
Traffic and safety updates
Mayor Davy addressed concerns over traffic volume and speeding on Ingleside Avenue and Burd Street, stating he is working with Mercer County officials to resolve the issues.
Borough Administrator Caminiti contacted The Pennington School to encourage staff, students, and parents to obey speed limits. Council members acknowledged the police department for increasing its presence on Burd Street.
Zoom Meeting Transparency
The public will soon be able to see other attendees at Borough Council Zoom meetings. Open Space Committee member Dan Pace, who advocated for the change, thanked the council for implementing it. A trial run will be conducted before the policy takes effect.
Recycling and Environmental Efforts
Council member Dan Rubenstein reported that the Environmental Commission’s webinar “Recycling Beyond the Basics” was attended by over 40 people and will be available soon on the borough website. Additional webinars are being planned.
Fire Department Updates
Council approved two resolutions regarding fire services:
- A shared services agreement with the Board of Fire Commissioners of Hopewell Township Fire District 1 and the Borough.
- Occupancy and use authorization for the Pennington First Aid Building by Pennington Borough Fire District No. 1.
Chairman of the Pennington Board of Fire Commissioners Brian Hofacker noted that firefighters responded to 642 calls in 2024 and encouraged residents to support the department through donations and fundraisers like the Ladies Auxiliary flower sale.
Next Meeting
The next Borough Council meeting is scheduled for April 7 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. For details, visit the borough website.
