Hillsborough Committee To Try Approving Emergency Temporary Funds For A Second Time

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — The Hillsborough Township Committee is holding a special meeting on Wednesday as it tries to approve its emergency temporary appropriations for a second time.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Hillsborough Township Municipal Complex, 379 South Branch Road, Hillsborough.

The Township Committee initially tried voting on the resolution, which called for a $5.3 million increase in the Township's Temporary budget, last week.

However, Democrats and Republicans clashed. Read More: Political Divisiveness Erupts In Hillsborough Over $5.3M Temporary Budget Increase

Committeewomen Samantha Hand and Jill Gomez, both Democrats, voted against the resolution authorizing emergency temporary appropriations before the adoption of the 2026 Budget.

Mayor Catherine Payne and Committeemen Bob Britting and Shawn Lipani, all Republicans, voted in favor of the resolution. However, the resolution required a two-thirds vote to pass, according to Township Attorney William Willard.

Township officials said at last week's meeting that the failure to pass the resolution would impact Hillsborough's ability to pay some bills.

Currently, day-to-day operations are not impacted, said Township Clerk Sarah Brake to Patch previously.

However, Brake added that "some bills cannot be paid until the emergency temporary appropriation resolution is passed", including some vendor payments, a legal settlement authorized at Tuesday's meeting, and a Joint Insurance Fund payment.

The largest bill that needed to be postponed is for the software that runs the Township's website, permitting system, OPRA requests, complaints, and other online applications.

While payment is postponed, Brake said the Township has a very strong relationship with the vendor and is working closely with them to ensure there is no disruption.

"Ultimately, while the 'no' vote has made our logistics more difficult and risks accruing interest on late payments, our day-to-day operations remain stable," said Brake. "We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff that works tirelessly to keep the town running smoothly. We remain committed to ensuring our residents are not affected by these legislative delays."

Hand clarified her decision to vote against the appropriations. She noted that the Township already approved a $13 million temporary budget and adding the emergency appropriations would bring the total to $18.3 million.

"We take our responsibility to taxpayers very seriously," said Hand in a statement. "When significant increases are proposed so soon after adopting a temporary budget, we believe it is appropriate to pause, ask questions, and ensure residents clearly understand the rationale."

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