MOUNTAINSIDE — At the beginning of the March Mountainside Council agenda-setting meeting, held on Tuesday evening, a brief insight into the new budget was given.

According to Mayor Paul Mirabella, this is the first time in recent years that the new budget has translated to an increase for Mountainside residents.

According to his preliminary report, the increase will be approximately $161 per household on an average borough home assessment of $659,000.

The mayor did list some increases responsible for the additional expenses, such as police promotions, the recycling contract, the utilities contract, ladder truck repairs for the fire department, group insurance rates and pensions.

The mayor noted that a full first presentation of the budget will be held at the regular council meeting taking place on Tuesday, March 19.

In other business, resident Zhara Ali approached the council asking permission to have a banner or other form of recognition displayed at Borough Hall celebrating Ramadan, which officially begins on Monday, March 11. She noted that other religious holidays were celebrated and that she wanted Ramadan to be included as well.

All members of the council approved of the idea and gave permission for the banner, noting that next year something could be done a bit more elaborately as there would be more time to put it together.

It was further noted that at the next meeting, two police promotions would take place, as well as the presentation of multiple police department awards.