Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Clifton public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget with high priority
Health Insurance Broker Switch Under Fire
Kolodziej voted against keeping Marsh McLennan, claiming the advertised $1.1 million savings are built on inflated stop-loss numbers while health benefit costs rose $5.5 million. The majority and the city manager defended the contract, touting $2.4 million in new prescription self-funding savings.
Fire Department Overtime Overrun
The council expanded the Fire Department table of organization hoping seven new hires will cut overtime that's running $1.1 million against a $750K budget. Kolodziej wants alternatives like rolling closures and consolidation.
Senior programs funding gap (Seniors We Care / Power of One)
The Seniors We Care program coordinator says she's gone nine months without pay despite council support, and asked for the purchase order to be released and a clear timeline. Council members demanded answers from administration.
Solid waste contract and trash rules
Clifton is designing the bid for its next garbage contract, expected to cost significantly more than the current $11 million annual deal. Carts could reduce rodents and odors, but residents raised concerns about seniors, large families, storage, and cost. No final decisions were made.
City manager search process
The council is interviewing three search firms to find the next city manager, but a motion to schedule the interviews failed 3-3 over transparency and process objections.
$4.8 Million Bond Ordinance for Capital Improvements
A preview bond list allocates $2 million to parks and recreation with nothing for roads; Sadrakula wants Allwood Place sidewalks and Gregory Manor Park added, and a final bond committee meeting will happen before introduction.
2026 Independence Day carnival and fireworks funding controversy
A three-day July 4th carnival and fireworks was organized without full council votes, and members demanded to know where police, DPW, and fireworks costs will come from. Last year's event netted only about $16,000.