Mayor's Report: Spring 2026
Fellow Middlesex residents,
2026 will have its fair share of challenges. Challenges bring an opportunity to do things better.
My number one concern for 2026 is the Municipal budget. Although we strive to budget conservatively, the state government has given us quite the curve ball with a 53% increase in health benefits. Although not mentioned during the previous gubernatorial election this surprise alone is a $1.1 million dollar increase or 5.5%. Adding in utility increases, other New Jersey insurance increases as well as wage increases it is very easy to see that 2026 is going to be a year of hard choices.
We always strive to be fiscally conservative in these unsure times however it is unsettling to me how despite our continued efforts the state government pushes their reluctance to address critical issues (healthcare and utilities) down to the cities, towns, and boroughs, and makes them our problem to deal with. We will prepare a budget that meets our needs, protects our services, and maximizes our resources as much as possible while trying to be as affordable as possible.
Other noteworthy items:
The Agreement for the Class III officers in the schools as of today is signed off on by the Borough and the Board of Education and the anticipated receipt of the down payment has the Borough now starting the search for the 3 approved officers. This is not as simple as it sounds and I would expect that finding and training officers at this late stage in the school year may be difficult for this year but we will do our best.
We continue to be aggressive in looking for opportunities for grants. We have several million dollars of applications in and at this point we are anticipating approximately $900,000 of awards to help with our infrastructure needs.
Our zoning and code enforcement efforts are showing results in property maintenance and building code compliance.
We are nearing completion of the bathroom replacement and upgrades to the Mountainview Park Grove area. It looks great and I would expect the final touches to be put on when the weather finally breaks.
Volunteerism continues to be a challenge and a need. In Middlesex Borough, we all want a bright future, but it needs your help to get there. Please consider helping out.
The Middlesex High School Boys Bowling Team won the Group 1 State Championship. That’s an incredible accomplishment and something the entire community should be proud of.
The winter weather is a challenge this year. Spring is 3 weeks away as I’m writing this article, but it is hard to feel the glow of a warm spring while I’m looking at piles of snow. Thanks to the DPW, Police and Fire Department, the first responders, and volunteers who pitched in to clear streets, sidewalks and paths to keep things safe and moving.
As spring approaches, I am thankful for the blessings we have large and small. Stephen Covey said “We do make a difference – one way or the other. We are responsible for the impact of our lives. Whatever we do with whatever we have, we leave behind us a legacy for those who follow.”
That’s all for now. We have a lot to do, and time is at a premium. We continue to do what is in the best interest for Middlesex.
Please come to the council meetings. It’s the best way to keep current on things.
Enjoy the spring.
Jack Mikolajczyk