On Tuesday, May 6, the Berkeley Heights Township Council will vote on whether to issue requests for proposals (RFPs) to explore the possible sale of the town’s wastewater treatment plant. The resolution is part of a packed agenda that also includes final adoption of the 2025 municipal budget, introduction of a $3.8 million bond ordinance, and salary range updates for several key positions.

This will be the first meeting to take place under the Township’s new 6:00 PM start time, approved earlier this spring.

Among the most consequential items is Resolution 2025-163, which would authorize the Township to solicit bids for the potential sale of its wastewater treatment system. Township officials have cited approximately $60 million in anticipated capital needs—including upgrades, repairs, and staffing—as a key reason for exploring privatization. If the Council moves forward, a voter referendum would still be required before any sale could occur.

In response, NJ21st submitted an OPRA request seeking engineering reports, financial assessments, existing contracts, and bid documentation related to the proposal.

Also scheduled for vote are three resolutions tied to the municipal budget: 2025-177, 2025-178, and 2025-179. These would formally adopt the 2025 budget, which totals $30,536,650.19, with $15,515,772.90 to be raised through local taxation. A related ordinance, 2025-13, would create a cap bank, allowing the Township to exceed the state’s budgetary growth cap later this year by up to $685,692.20 if needed.

The Council will also introduce Ordinance 2025-19, a $3.825 million bond ordinance funding capital improvements that include road paving, firehouse facility upgrades, police and fire equipment, and sewer infrastructure repairs. Of that amount, $2.778 million would be financed through bonds.

Ordinance 2025-18 proposes updates to salary ranges for appointed and non-union employees. The maximum salary for the Township Administrator would increase to $176,000, while the Director of Public Works remains capped at $98,000. Joseph Graziano is listed in the ordinance as Berkeley Heights’ Director of Public Works, despite also holding that same title in Union Township. NJ21st has submitted a separate OPRA request seeking his employment agreements, compensation details, and any shared services arrangement that may exist between the two municipalities. Concerns connected to this role were previously flagged in a 2023 OSC Report, which Union County responded to in a manner some found both bizarre and familiar.

The bond ordinance also includes fire department-related spending. The Fire Official’s salary remains between $17,500 and $19,500, with no new personnel or inspection revenue data outlined in the budget or ordinance documents. A third OPRA request from NJ21st seeks information on Bureau staffing, fire inspection revenues, and any active contracts or shared services related to fire code enforcement since 2023. The request follows growing public concern that recent structural changes could indicate the Township is laying groundwork for potential outsourcing of fire prevention or response services—though no formal proposal to that effect has been disclosed.

Other ordinances on the May 6 agenda include:

• Ordinance 2025-15, codifying over 50 stop signs that had been installed but were never added to Township Code.

• Ordinance 2025-16, establishing a $20 returned check fee and authorizing the Township to require certified funds after a failed payment.

• Ordinance 2025-17, clarifying that 100% disabled veterans are entitled to a 50% reduction in sewer fees.

• Ordinance 2025-20, creating a Complete and Green Streets Committee to guide pedestrian safety improvements, traffic calming efforts, and environmentally focused infrastructure planning.

The Consent Agenda includes more than a dozen items, such as resolutions for routine contracts, engineering services, and equipment purchases. These are typically voted on as a single block unless pulled for separate discussion.

The breadth of the May 6 agenda is unusually wide-ranging for a single meeting, particularly given the long-term financial and policy stakes involved. The published agenda does not specify whether additional time will be allotted for extended public comment.

NJ21st will report on the outcomes of these votes and will publish any responsive records obtained through its OPRA filings as they become available.

Residents are encouraged to attend in person or submit comments in advance of the meeting.

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Background on Fire Services

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