From left to right: Councilman Mario Karcic, Mayor Dan Pronti, Borough Attorney Randy Pearce and Councilwoman Allison Sheedy.
RAISES AND PROMOTIONS ABOUND!
NA Mayor & Council increase their own pay for the fifth consecutive time!
Department heads all receive sizable pay hikes, talk of new Police & Fire Stations by Pronti
Over $4,000,000 in payments approved in a single meeting!
NORTH ARLINGTON – The spending of tax dollars and increasing salaries for virtually everyone employed by North Arlington took place with little discussion or fanfare as the all-Republican Mayor & Council voted to award themselves a raise for the fifth consecutive year (see attached agenda for details). https://1drv.ms/b/c/f17d28a9233b7bd1/EaWrdMeZPKJBgikiDuHSU7sBr6d8rytjmjqYUP-cLZF6jA?e=897pg2
The Mayor & Council also voted to appoint two new captains at a salary of $181,279 and two new sergeants at $152,279 as well. 
North Arlington now has thirty-four police officers.
EMT salaries will also increase from $67,041 in 2025 to $71,816 while LOSAP payments will increase to $1,900 and business licenses will remain $50.
Four department heads also received raises:
Gina Marshall – $105,347
Robert Kairys – $126,460
Katie Moore – $113,646
Dante Mostacchio – $80,625
Mayor Pronti’s salary will increase to $13,797 for this part-time position. Pronti also receives a state pension as a retired Montclair police officer. He also a real estate agent.
He is basically receiving $1,149.75 per month to preside over a single council meeting.
The six members of the Borough Council all Republicans, voted themselves another raise to $11,953 for this part-time position.
They basically receive $996 per month to attend a single meeting that lasts about two hours. 
CONSTRUCTION OF NEW POLICE AND FIRE STATIONS AT BOROUGH HALL COMPLEX
Mayor Pronti announced plans to construct a new police and fire station, but no details were offered regarding cost or timeline for construction.
According to Pronti, who has been in public office for over a decade, that these capital expenditures should have taken place 25 years ago.
There was no justification given for that assessment by this retired police officer.
The costs to construct police stations and firehouses can vary widely based on factors such as location, size, materials, and design complexity.
However, recent data provides some general insights:
Police Stations:
In 2019, the national average cost to build a 11,000-square-foot police station was approximately $2.58 million, equating to about $235 per square foot.
More recently, Santa Barbara’s police station project is estimated at over $121 million, reflecting both inflation and potentially more advanced facilities.
The Independent
Similarly, Garden Grove is considering a $140 million bond for a new police station and related facilities, highlighting the increasing costs in urban areas.
Firehouses:
Construction costs for fire stations have seen significant increases over the years. While a standard fire station might have cost $50-60 per square foot forty years ago, current estimates range from $190 to $250 per square foot, influenced by inflation and enhanced facility requirements.
For example, Bedford’s proposed new fire station is estimated at nearly $32 million, illustrating the substantial investments required for modern facilities.
These figures underscore the significant financial commitments involved in constructing public safety facilities today. It’s important to note that costs can vary based on specific project requirements and regional economic conditions.
Several Democrats attended the meeting including council candidates Cengiz Sever and John Balwierczak who intend to file for office come the upcoming council petition deadline.
Both are opposed to rolling tax assessments imposed on homeowners by the all-Republican Mayor & Council and Pronti has made it clear rolling assessments will continue as long as he is in charge.
None of the current members of the Borough Council have taken a position, but all six continue to endorse the highly unpopular tax policy that is gentrifying North Arlington.
In other business, the old MELRAYS building remains dormant and vacant, with no buyers apparently at this time.
Councilwoman Lynette Cavadas, who is apparently seeking reelection was noticeably absent.