Newtown’s Borough Board of Burgesses held its budget vote on Tuesday, May 12. In the basement of Edmond Town Hall, about 30 borough residents gathered to cast their votes. A quorum of 20 residents is needed per Borough charter.

Warden Jay Maher began the meeting by welcoming everyone in and discussing the budget. He said, “The Board of Burgesses have always been committed to exercising good fiscal governance. We understand that a second tax to reside within our two square miles can be frustrating and may beg the question, ‘why?’ That is why this year’s proposed budget has been scrutinized since February in an effort to review funding of all 37 line items.”

The proposed budget for 2026-2027 was $340,350, with a .86 mill rate. Maher said that it was a 13% increase from last year’s budget. He then focused his discussion on what he called “the big three.”

The big three included the $98,000 line item for fire hydrants, $33,000 for streetlights, and “the elephant in the room,” $75,000 for legal. Maher explained that the reason why the legal line item is so large is because of the two lawsuits the Borough is currently fighting over the Castle Hill development. He then discussed the legal budgets for years past and the differences between how much was budgeted and how much was actually spent. Due to the difference between the two numbers, the burgesses budgeted more for legal than in years past. Maher added that he hopes to revise the legal line item in the future to a more “favorable number.”

“Also noteworthy in our conscious effort to exercise fiscal prudence,” Maher began, “our salary positions are frozen this upcoming year … I have authorized that my $2,500 stipend as warden be reassigned to the legal line item. In closing, I would like to thank each of you for your attendance tonight. I know it’s far easier to stay home, however, we need you.” Maher then opened the floor to questions.

Mike Mandarano asked what Aquarion does with the $98,000. Maher replied that it covers maintenance. Senior Burgess Chris Gardner reminded Borough residents that if they live within a certain vicinity of a fire hydrant, a discount can be applied to homeowners’ insurance, which he said “more than pays for my Borough tax.”

Priscilla Jones expressed her extreme support for the budget and added that she is “willing to pay another 100 bucks annually if it’s gonna lessen Castle Hill.”

Mark Maruschak asked if there was an end in sight to the legal battles defending the Borough. Maher and Burgess Jim Gaston replied that the Borough is about two-thirds of the way through the trial process, but there could still be an appeal afterwards. The two expect it to last at least one more year.

Terese Fiore asked what the stance of the Borough is in these Castle Hill lawsuits. Maher said the legal line item is to “defend the decision” the Borough made originally.

Gaston then made a motion to approve the budget as written, and the crowd voted. The budget passed with 23 for and five against. The mill rate was also voted on and was accepted with the same vote, 23 for and five against.

Regular Meeting

Following the vote, a regular meeting of the burgesses was held. The board briefly discussed the memorandum of understanding relating to the Borough’s insurance policy within the town.

The board decided to wait on sending the memo as the town budget still needs to be voted on. The burgesses decided to remove the “Indemnification” clause in the memo as the Borough could not afford an indemnification.

Maher updated the board on behalf of Tree Warden Robbie McCulloch, who was not present at the meeting. Two trees on Queen Street have been removed, which has pushed the sidewalk project for 21 and 23 Queen Street “one step closer” to its completion.

Borough Zoning Commission Chair Doug Nelson was also present at the meeting and briefly updated the board on some developments. He noted that there “are not many properties left” in the Borough available for development. Nelson explained that the former police station is available, as well as the full-service gas station property at 47 Church Hill Road. He shared that he has been approached by Benchmark at Newtown because it would like to acquire 47 Church Hill Road for a possible memory care facility.

Nelson said that the use is “relatively inoffensive,” and that the Borough would probably support a memory care facility, but the proposal from Benchmark exceeds the square footage limit set in Borough Zoning regulations. He said he just wanted the board to think about it and keep it in mind as for the future.

After Nelson’s update, Gardner informed the group that a new summer flag will be installed on Saturday morning, 8 am. Newtown Lions Club purchased the new flag for the season.

The board then entered an executive session to further discuss Castle Hill lawsuits.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.