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FLEMINGTON -- Flemington Borough officials are preparing for 2027 with no planned increase in municipal taxes, although residents will see a 10% increase in sewer rates under a proposed budget discussed and approved during the borough's November meeting.
Council approved the proposed 2027 budget, which will be available for further review before officials consider adopting the final version in December.
Among the notable expenses included in the proposed budget are stormwater repairs along Canal and Evergreen streets, stormwater planning using software proposed by Steve Gibson, replacement of borough street signs with reflective signage and a new bucket attachment for the borough's Kubota equipment.
The budget also includes $500 for training for volunteer emergency services in the county.
During discussion of the proposed training contribution, council member Don Grant questioned whether the funding would be better directed toward Flemington's own emergency services, particularly as some county training funds have gone unused because training opportunities have not been scheduled.
Council ultimately approved the proposed budget, with the final budget expected to come before officials in December.
In addition to the budget, council approved a 10% overall increase in sewer rates.
During discussion, council member Dave Grimm noted that the borough currently has several different sewer-use tiers and may eventually look at restructuring the rate system to better account for higher-volume commercial and industrial users.
"We're not geared for industrial, but we do have minimal amount of commercial to look at along that line, rather than the residential," Grimm said.
The borough plans to review the number of customers in its higher usage categories before presenting potential adjustments in the future.
Borough officials reported continued progress on sanitary sewer lateral replacements, which are intended to reduce infiltration into the sewer system.
Since the program began approximately two years ago, 71 sewer laterals have been replaced, while 30 existing laterals have passed inspection.
Officials said the work is helping reduce flows through the borough's sewer system, particularly during rainstorms.
The borough has approximately 620 sewer customers, and officials said property owners continue to be notified when lateral inspections or replacements are needed.
Other borough business:
-- Council approved Resolution 04-2026, establishing procedures for public participation and recording of public meetings.
-- The public safety committee also reported that Goodwill Hose Fire Co. is preparing its financial records for an audit.