Clifton council adopts estimated 2025 tax levy, schedules July 7 budget introduction

The Clifton Municipal Council on June 17 adopted the city’s estimated tax levy for 2025 and set a special meeting the week of July 7 to introduce the municipal budget, an action municipal officials said was necessary to meet the Department of Community Affairs deadline and avoid state sanctions.

Why it mattered: Council members and administration agreed introducing an estimated levy was required to avoid cash-flow problems and the possibility of DCA fines. Several council members said they expect a revised budget document that reduces reliance on fund balance and shows additional cuts or new revenue options.

What council did: The Tax Collector and Chief Financial Officer presented the estimated levy figure; council discussion focused on whether the 3.77% total levy figure represented the city’s portion and how many tax points underpinned the estimate. The council recorded a roll-call vote on the levy (vote recorded on the floor as 5 yes, 1 no, 1 absent). Members directed administration to present a more detailed budget packet before the July 7 introduction meeting.

What council members said: Several members said the town must stop relying on pandemic-era monies and one-time sources to mask structural shortfalls. Council members requested the finance team provide a clearer accounting of cuts, hiring freezes and one-time revenue so the public and the council can see options for long-term stabilization.

Next steps: Administration will reissue the revised budget materials and attend a special July 7 meeting (time discussed for early morning). The council asked for options to reduce the use of fund balance, and for proposals that could increase recurring revenue or reduce recurring expenses.