Editor’s Note: The following message was read by the author to the borough council at their Monday meeting
The draft Rezoning ordinance was posted online during the Planning Commission’s review. This transparency allowed for thoughtful and well-informed public discourse as the public had access to the full 200-page document.
I am requesting that the Draft 2026 Budget be posted online enough in advance of the initial October 14th Budget workshop meeting so that the community is able to review the working draft and present questions and potential solutions to the $180,000 plus deficit.
Mr. Moon stated that this deficit is a prominent issue in the upcoming budget and one of the reasons why it is necessary to increase the height limitations to 7 stories on 17 parcels in the newly formed revitalization district in the new zoning ordinance.
Mr. Carr, you frequently ask the public to bring solutions, not problems, to Council. Doing that starts with transparency on the part of the Borough Council and staff during processes like the budget.
Access to a 400-plus page document on November 17th, a mere 19 days and one borough workshop meeting prior to its adoption, doesn’t allow for much, if any, contemplative public input. This limited accessibility would also be over the Thanksgiving holiday and Christmas Festival, 2 very busy weeks for business owners and residents of this community.
I am assuming, since you were able to state there is a deficit of $180,000 plus dollars, that the draft must be ready to review now, so the sooner the community can start to review this lengthy document, the sooner we can be engaged in bringing fresh ideas, relevant questions, and potential solutions to the deficit.
Thank you
The following is the proposed 2026 budget discussion and adoption schedule.
Mon, Oct 20, 2025 – 7:00 PM: 2026 Budget Work Session.
Mon, Oct 27, 2025 – 7:00 PM: 2026 Budget Work Session (after a 6:00–7:00 PM zoning hearing)
Mon, Nov 3, 2025 – 7:00 PM: 2026 Budget Work Session.
Tue, Nov 4, 2025 – 7:00 PM: 2026 Budget Work Session (if needed).
Mon, Nov 10, 2025 – 7:00 PM: Council Business Meeting — vote to advertise the 2026 Draft Budget.
Wed, Nov 19, 2025: 2026 Draft Budget posted for public review.
Mon, Nov 24, 2025 – 7:00 PM: Council Work Session.
Mon, Dec 8, 2025 – 7:00 PM: Council Business Meeting — 2026 Budget adoption.