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Annual Budget Process
The annual budget process occurs between the months of November and April. During this time, the Finance Department produces public information in various formats, ranging from graphic/simple to comprehensive/granular. Residents can choose what level of detail they wish to see based on the below list.
Annual One Sheet Budget Summary: This document presents budget information in a very graphic and simple format and has been produced since 2015.
Budget in Brief: This is a one-page budget summary. The document has been created since 1986 and while the format has changed slightly, it is still possible to make meaningful comparisons of numbers from 1986 to present.
Audit Report: This very detailed 100+ page document contains very comprehensive and granular information. Digital copies are on-line from 2006 to date and hard copies dating back to the 1970’s are readily available in the finance office.
Best Practices Inventory: The Inventory assesses each municipality’s compliance with various laws and evaluates implementation of fiscal and operational best practices. Inventory answers provide taxpayers an additional means of evaluating their municipality’s performance. The Inventory also identifies areas where municipalities may require further technical assistance. Furthering this objective, the Inventory contains an unscored survey section soliciting information on a variety of topics.
Annual Budget Process: The remainder of this page outlines the budget documents and presentations given to Council during the budget process as well as a schedule of upcoming budget-related meetings. Click on Financial Documents on the left menu bar for a full listing of past budgets, audits, and other information.
- December 12, 2022
A presentation on the proposed Five Year Capital Plan was given to Council. - January 9, 2023
A presentation on the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund and the proposed Five Year Capital Plan was given to Council. - January 23, 2023
A presentation on Public Works, Electric Utility, Water Utility, and utility fund balance was given to Council - January 31, 2023
On January 31, 2023, the Annual Debt Statement was submitted to the State of New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. This document is filed annually and is required as per state statute NJSA 40A:2-41. The purpose of the document is to track the amount of debt issued by the Borough and School Board and to compare the total debt to the equalized value of all property in the Borough. - February 13, 2023
Initial Municipal Budget and Fund Balance discussion - February 27, 2023
Various Department Heads gave a presentation and discussed their 2022 accomplishments as well as their 2023 goals, objectives and capital requests. - March 2, 2023
On March 2nd, the Annual Financial Statement was submitted to the State of New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. This document is filed annually and is required as per state statute NJSA 40A:5-12. - March 13, 2023
Final budget hearing and strategic planning guidelines presentation - March 27, 2023
Budget Introduction. The Official State Budget Document was presented. Council voted unanimously to introduce the budget as presented. As per state statute, the budget must be advertised and there must be a minimum of 28 days between introduction and adoption of the budget so that the public has ample opportunity to review the document (NJSA 40A:4-7). - April 26, 2023
The User Friendly Budget was distributed to elected officials before the budget hearing and discussed this evening. Council held a budget hearing and then voted 5-0 to approve the Official State Budget Document as presented.
The above schedule is subject to change.
- April 27, 2022
Council held a budget hearing and then voted 6-0 to approve the Official State Budget Document as presented. - March 28, 2022
Budget Introduction. The Official State Budget Document was presented, as well as the User Friendly Budget. Council voted unanimously to introduce the budget as presented. As per state statute, the budget must be advertised and there must be a minimum of 28 days between introduction and adoption of the budget so that the public has ample opportunity to review the document (NJSA 40A:4-7)*. - March 14, 2022
Second discussion on the draft budget. Strategic Planning Guidelines and Alternate Budget Format presented. Authorization to draft the Official State Budget document. - February 28, 2022
Various Department Heads gave a presentation and discussed their 2021 accomplishments as well as their 2022 goals, objectives and capital requests. - February 14, 2022
Initial budget discussion & municipal Fund Balance discussion. - February 2, 2022
On February 2nd, the Annual Financial Statement was submitted to the State of New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. This document is filed annually and is required as per state statute NJSA 40A:5-12. - January 27, 2022
On January 27th, the Annual Debt Statement was submitted to the State of New Jersey Division of Local Government Services. This document is filed annually and is required as per state statute NJSA 40A:2-41. The purpose of the document is to track the amount of debt issued by the Borough and School Board and to compare the total debt to the equalized value of all property in the Borough. - January 24, 2022
Council received a presentation on Department of Public Works, Water and Electric as well as the Utilities budget Review & Utility Fund Balance Discussion. The introduction of Road Program Funding Ordinance took place. - December 13, 2021
A presentation on the Open Space, Recreation and Historic Preservation Trust Fund and the proposed Five Year Capital Plan was given to Council. - November 22, 2021
A Water Utility Rates presentation was presented to Council. - October 13, 2021
A Revenue Recap presentation was presented to Council.
* We are required to have a state review this year. As such, that process may delay budget introduction.
2021 Budget Process
- September 30, 2020
A presentation on the COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on the Borough's Financial Position was presented to Council. - December 14, 2020
A presentation on the proposed Five Year Capital Plan was presented to Council. - January 11, 2021
A presentation on the budget schedule review, Open Space Trust Fund and Roads Program was presented to Council. - January 25, 2021
Council received a presentation on Department of Public Works, Water and Electric as well as the Utilities budget Review & Utility Fund Balance Discussion. The introduction of Road Program Funding Ordinance took place. - January 27, 2021
The Annual Debt Statement was filed with the State of NJ Division of Local Government Services as per NJSA 40A:2-40. - February 8, 2021
Initial Budget Discussion & Municipal Surplus Discussion. Hearing on the Road Program Funding Ordinances. - February 22, 2021
Various Department Heads gave a presentation and discussed their 2020 accomplishments as well as their 2021 goals, objectives and capital requests. - March 4, 2021
As per NJSA 40A:5-12 the 2020 Unaudited Annual Financial Statement was filed with the State Division of Local Government Services.
- March 8, 2021
Second discussion on the draft budget. Strategic Planning Guidelines and Alternate Budget Format presented. Authorization to draft the official state budget document. - March 22, 2021
Budget Introduction. A short budget presentation was given to Council as well as the Official State Budget Document. Council voted unanimously to introduce the budget as presented. As per state statute, the budget must be advertised and there must be a minimum of 28 days between introduction and adoption of the budget so that the public has ample opportunity to review the document (NJSA 40A:4-7). - April 26, 2021
Council held a budget hearing and then voted 6-0 to approve the Official State Budget Document as presented.
2020 Budget Process
Monday December 9, 2019. Engineer Bob Vogel presented the 5 year capital plan and discussed the Road Reconstruction and Milling & Overlay projects for 2020.
Thursday December 19, 2019. Council held a hearing on Bond Ordinance 56-2019 authoring borrowing $1,272,000 to fund improvements at the Madison Chatham Joint Meeting sewage processing plant.
Monday, January 13, 2020. A presentation on Open Space and Capital review was presented to Council and discussed as well. An Ordinance for 2020 Road Reconstruction and Milling & Overlay were introduced as well.
Monday, January 27, 2020. Council received a presentation on the Utilities budget, including the Department of Public Works, Water and Electric.
Thursday, January 30, 2020. The Annual Debt Statement was filed with the State of NJ Division of Local Government Services as per NJSA 40A:2-40.
Monday, February 10, 2020. The Police Department and draft budget was presented to Council that included details on appropriations and municipal surplus.
Monday, February 24, 2020. Various Department Heads gave a presentation and discussed their 2019 accomplishments as well as their 2020 goals, objectives and capital requests.
Monday, March 2, 2020 (Special Meeting). The final budget meeting was held where the revised budget was presented and discussed along with strategic planning guidelines.
Monday, March 30, 2020. Budget Introduction. A short budget presentation was given to Council as well as the Official State Budget Document. Council voted unanimously to introduce the budget as presented. As per state statute, the budget must be advertised and there must be a minimum of 28 days between introduction and adoption of the budget so that the public has ample opportunity to review the document (NJSA 40A:4-7).
Monday, April 27, 2020. A presentation was given to Council. Council held a budget hearing and then voted 6-0 to approve the Official State Budget document as presented.
2019 Budget Process
September 23, 2019. A presentation on Surplus was given to Council.
April 22, 2019. Council held a budget hearing and then voted 6-0 to approve the Official State Budget document as presented. As per state guidelines, the User Friendly Budget was also presented to Council. The final budget in brief was also presented and discussed.
March 25, 2019. Budget Introduction. A short budget presentation was given to Council as well as the Official State Budget Document. Council voted unanimously to introduce the budget as presented. As per state statute, the budget must be advertised and there must be a minimum of 28 days between introduction and adoption of the budget so that the public has ample opportunity to review the document (NJSA 40A:4-7).
March 4, 2019, 7:00 pm. Special Meeting. A revised budget was presented and discussed along with strategic planning guidelines.
Monday, February 25, 2019. Various Department Heads gave a presentation and discussed their 2018 accomplishments as well as their 2019 goals, objectives and capital requests.
Monday, February 11, 2019. A draft budget was presented to Council that included details on appropriations and municipal surplus.
Monday, January 28, 2019. Council received a presentation on the Utilities budget, including electric and water.
Sunday, January 27. The Annual Debt Statement was filed with the State of NJ Division of Local Government Services as per NJSA 40A:2-40.
Monday, January 14, 2019. Council discussed the Budget Schedule, the Open Space Trust Fund. A revised Five Year Capital Plan was presented to Council and discussed as well. An Ordinance for 2019 Road Reconstruction and Milling & Overlay were introduced as well.
Monday, December 10, 2018. Council received a draft Five Year Capital Plan. Council approved R325-2018 which cancelled outstanding balances in various Capital Ordinances making the excess funds available for future capital projects.
Monday, November 26, 2018. Council held a hearing and approved Bond Ordinance 50-2018 which authorized $4,770,000 for a portion of the cost of capital improvements at the Madison Chatham Joint Meeting Sewage Treatment Plant.
2018 Budget Process
Monday, November 13, 2017. A presentation on the financial performance of the Electric Utility thru the first three quarters of 2017 was given to council.
Monday, November 27, 2017. Administration discussed with Council the process and purpose of cancelling (or “closing out”) completed capital ordinances. Following the discussion, the Council voted on Resolution 304-2017 which cancelled certain ordinances thus freeing up over $260,000 in funds to be used for future capital projects at the discretion of Council.
Monday, December 11, 2017. Borough Engineer Bob Vogel sent a revised 5 Year Capital Plan to the Council.
Monday, January 8, 2018, Council discussed the upcoming budget schedule which is listed below.
Monday, January 22, 2018, Council will discuss the Electric Utility Rebate and the Open Space Trust fund. Click here for the 2017 Open Space Report
Tuesday, January 30. The Annual Debt Statement was filed with the Borough Clerk and the Director of the State of NJ Division of Local Government Services as per NJSA 40A:2-40.
February 12, 2018, Council received a presentation of the initial budget. Those interested in hearing the discussion should watch the video of the meeting.
February 26, 2018, Various Department Heads gave a presentation and discussed their 2017 accomplishments as well as their 2018 goals, objectives and capital requests. The Chief Financial Officer also filed the unaudited Annual Financial Statement with the State of NJ Division of Local Government Services.
March 5, 2018, 7:00 pm. Special Meeting. A revised budget was presented and discussed along with strategic planning guidelines.
March 26, 2018. Budget Introduction. A short budget presentation was given to Council as well as the Official State Budget Documentand the User Friendly Budget. Council voted unanimously to introduce the budget as presented. As per state statute, the budget must be advertised and there must be a minimum of 28 days between introduction and adoption of the budget so that the public has ample opportunity to review the document (NJSA 40A:4-7).
April 23, 2018. Budget Adoption* The Council unanimously approved the budget.
*Budget must be adopted by April 23rd in order to comply with State Best Practices and ensure that the Borough will receive 100% of state funding.
2017 Budget Process
Monday, October 24, 2016. A presentation on the financial performance of the Electric Utility was given to Council.
Monday, November 14, 2016. A presentation on an ordinance that would establish an annual electric utility financial performance adjustment program.
Monday, December 12, 2016. A presentation on the draft 5-year capital plan was given to Council. The Open Space Trust Fund quarterly report and chart showing the breakdown of expenses was also presented to Council.
January 11, 2017. Engineer Bob Vogel sent a revised 5 Year Capital Plan to Council.
January 23, 2017. Linda Sawyer from the Purchasing Department gave a short presentation on Purchasing Internal Controls. Council also reviewed and discussed a report detailing the activity in the Open Space Trust Fund in 2016 and the associated debt payments.
Monday, January 31. The Annual Debt Statement was filed with the Borough Clerk and the Director of the State of NJ Division of Local Government Services as per NJSA 40A:2-40.
February 6. Special Budget Presentation. 7 pm start time. Electric Utility Department Head presentation. Presentation from CFO on various items including Utility Budgets, Utility Capital, Electric Dividend, and an initial draft review of the Municipal Budget Summary. Click here to view the Council meeting.
February 10. The 2016 Unaudited Annual Financial Statement was issued to the State of New Jersey, Division of Local Government Services.
February 13. Presentations from various departments including Police, Fire, Engineering, Library, Construction and Public Works were given to Council.
February 27. Council received a revised presentation on all budgets and discussed an electric utility dividend as well as the Strategic Planning Guidelines. Council approved a $1.5 million electric utility dividend.
March 13. Introduction of the Municipal Budget.
As per state statute, the budget must be advertised and there must be a minimum of 28 days between introduction and adoption of the budget so that the public has ample opportunity to review the document (NJSA 40A:4-7).
The Official State Budget Document was introduced and presented to Council. In addition, the User-Friendly Budget was submitted. A revised One Page Budget Summary document was also presented to Council.
April 12. Adoption of the Municipal Budget.
2016 Budget Process
Monday, December 14, 2015, 8 pm. Council Meeting. The 2016 Five Year Capital Plan was presented to the Mayor & Council. Watch the Council meeting video.
Monday, January 1, 1 pm. Council Meeting. The Council approved the Temporary Budget as per NJSA 40A:4-19. Watch the Council meeting video.
Monday, January 25, 8 pm. Council Meeting. A report and presentation on the Open Space Trust Fund was given to Council. The Council also discussed revised 5 Year Capital Plan figures and approved introduction of ordinances related to the 2016 road reconstruction program. Watch the Council meeting video.
Friday, January 29. The Annual Debt Statement was filed with the Borough Clerk and the Director of the State of NJ Division of Local Government Services as per NJSA 40A:2-40.
Monday, February 1, 7 pm. Council Meeting. Council received reports and a presentations on the Utility Budgets, draft Electric Procurement Guidelines, and the Municipal Budget Summary. Watch the Council meeting video.
Monday, February 8, 8 pm. Council Meeting. Various Department Heads gave a presentation on their goals and accomplishments and answered questions about their budgets. A presentation on capital budgets was also given to Council.
February 15. The Unaudited Annual Financial Statement was issued to the State of New Jersey, Division of Local Government Services.
Monday, February 22, 8 pm. Council voted to move forward and have this budget information input into the official state budget document for introduction at the March 14th council meeting.
Monday, March 14, 8 pm. Council Meeting. As per NJ State Statute 40A:4-5 et seq the governing body shall introduce and approve the budget for hearing no later than March 18. As such the Official State of New Jersey Budget Document was introduced on March 14th. Copies of the document are available at the Madison Public Library, County Library and the Madison Borough Clerk’s office. The state budget document is summarized in this document.
The budget document was sent to the State of NJ Director of the Division of Local Government Services (DLGS) where it was reviewed for accuracy and compliance with Local Budget Law and the regulations of the DLGS. During this time, the budget was advertised and available for review by the public. As per NJSA 40A:4-7, no budget shall be adopted until a public hearing has been held. Such hearing shall be held not less than 28 days after the introduction of the budget.
April 11, 8pm. Council Meeting.The Mayor and Council held a hearing on the budget. Following the hearing, R-120-2016 was introduced which made small amendments to the budget as requested by the Division of Local Government Services. Following the approval of R-120-2016, Council voted to approve the budget and pass R-121-2016. As such, the final amended Official State of New Jersey Budget Document was approved.
2015 Budget Process
Monday, January 26th, 8 pm. (meeting rescheduled from 1/26 due to weather). The council received and discussed the preliminary 2015 capital budget.
Monday, February 9th, 8 pm. The Council received a report on the Initial Municipal Budget. Staff were also on hand to review individual department budgets and capital requests. Watch the Council meeting video.
Wednesday, February 18th, 7 pm. (special Council meeting). The Council received presentations on the Electric Utility Budget and Water Utility Budget, the 5 year capital plan and a budget presentation from Administration.
Monday, February 23rd, 8 pm. The Council received an updated Municipal Budget report, a report on the Open Space Trust Fund and a short follow-up presentation on the utilities. Watch the Council meeting video.
Tuesday, March 3rd, CFO Robert Kalafut issued a memo and revised Budget in Brief to the Mayor and Council.
Monday, March 9th, 8 pm. The Official State of New Jersey Budget Document was introduced. As per The State of NJ Division of Local Finance Notice 2014-21, municipalities are statutorily required to introduce their budgets no later than March 13, 2015. Watch the Council meeting video.
Monday, November 9th, 8 pm. A Presentation on Utility Billing was given by Jim Burnet and Donna Carey. Watch the Council meeting video.
2014 Budget Process
January 13, 2014. Preliminary Capital Budget. The Capital Budget was discussed in detail with Administration advocating for a $3.5 million Capital Budget for 2014. A detailed 5 Year Capital Plan was also presented and discussed.
January 27, 2014. Open Space Trust Fund Activity.
January 27, 2014. Municipal Operating Budget. The Municipal Operating Budget was presented and various options discussed.
February 1, 2014. Special Saturday meeting. The Electric Utility Budget Presentation. Document was presented and discussed. Councilman Wolkowitz discussed budget basics with a Budget 101 document and discussed an alternate budget concept. Mayor Conley gave a Budget Town Hall Presentation as well. The Elected Officials also received detailed Department Budgets at this time.
February 10, 2014. Presentation from the Madison Athletic Foundation. Department Budgets were also discussed with various Department Heads in attendance.
February 11, 2014. The following documents were distributed to Council.
1. Memo from Ray Codey and Jim Burnet.
2. Updated Municipal Operating Budget figures.
3. Updated Electric Budget figures (Note: the cover page is mislabeled but the information is correct).
February 24, 2014. The Council discussed the budget in totality on February 24 using the Revised Budget document was used as a basis for discussion. Mr. Rowe and Mr.Catalanello distributed an alternate budget and comments.
March 10, 2014. Budget was introduced and the following documents distributed. 2014 Budget Handout and 2014 Introductory Budget.
2013 Budget Process
On January 30, 2013, the Borough Council held its first budget hearing.
View the 2013 Draft Budget Documents to be presented.
On February 21, 2013, the Borough Council held a Budget Meeting and discussed the Police, Fire, Public Works and Engineering Departmental Budgets. Please click here to see the agenda and supporting documents, and here for the Open Spaces budget presentation.
On Saturday, March 2, 2013, The Borough held a Budget Meeting and discussed the Board of Health and Dog Regulation, the Water Utility Administrative and Field staff, the Electric Utility Administrative and Field staff and the Capital Budget items. There was also a discussion of the Final Budget Adjustments. Please click here to see the agenda and supporting documents, and click here for the full Budget presentation.
On Monday, March 11, 2013, the 2013 Budget was introduced by the Borough Council. Please click here to see the full Budget document as introduced.