Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sayreville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in water utilities with high priority
Melrose Pump Station flood-resilience rebuild
Sayreville locked in $2.86 million in Hurricane Ida recovery money to reconstruct and upgrade the Melrose Pump Station so it can better handle flooding and coastal storms.
$800,000 Sewer Fee Shortfall
Sewer fees came up $800,000 short this year — a shortfall now being made up through taxes. Novak said a fee ordinance is coming before year's end to shift costs off homeowners.
Aging Water Infrastructure
The borough is planning a $19 million overhaul of its sewer system, including replacing the South River sewer line and pump station. State low-interest loans would cover the cost without new debt service, protecting taxpayers.
JCP&L power outages and infrastructure reliability
Repeated outages — including one that forced a warming center opening during a February cold snap — have residents and council members furious. The BPU has ignored letters from the mayor and council, and residents are demanding escalation to state legislators and possible regulatory action.