What's Happening in Northvale, NJ…

On May 15, Northvale adopted a new budget that will keep taxes at the same rate, even though expenses increased in 2014.

The borough council adopted a budget of $8m, which is about $200,000 higher than 2013 and requires $5.65m to be collected in taxes. Ed Piehler, Northvale's mayor, told residents their taxes would remain the same as in 2012 and 2013.

Patrick Marana, the Council President, said the borough was able to avoid a tax increase by reducing spending, and because department heads had done a great job managing their individual budgets. He also gave Northvale's financial advisers credit for their input as well.

In the last three years, Northvale has cut some programs, including some affecting the public library. Since then, the council has been working to restore financial stability, and has now achieved that goal. The progress was recognized by Standards and Poor, resulting in a raise of the borough's bond rating to AA, having previously been AA-.

Looking to the future, Piehler says Northvale will have some expenses to meet because it needs to replace equipment and repave roads. It also plans to replace a 1970-vintage Mack fire truck with a new Pierce model, and some of the Public Works Department's equipment will be updated. Piehler is confident that the borough's experience of creating the 2014 budget will allow it to tackle future challenges successfully.

Northvale officials couldwork with brochure printers to devise a mailer for residents explaining the situation and future expectations.