Edison Council Ends 2025 With Pay Raises, PILOT Vote, and Farewells
Final meeting includes mayoral pay raise, senior-housing PILOT approval, major spending items, and tributes to outgoing council members.
December 24, 2025
The Edison Township Council closed out its final meeting of 2025 on Monday night with a mix of major policy decisions, significant spending approvals, and farewells to three council members whose terms expire at year’s end, marking a transition point for the township heading into 2026.
The meeting included final adoption of multiple ordinances, approval of a lengthy consent agenda with substantial financial implications, and closing remarks honoring Council President Margot Harris and Council Members Nishith Patel and John Poyner as they conclude their service on the governing body.
Pay Raises for Mayor and Department Heads
The most closely watched item of the evening was the council’s approval of an ordinance increasing the mayor’s salary and establishing new salary ranges for township department heads. The ordinance raises Mayor Sam Joshi’s salary by 32% to $198,000 and sets updated compensation ceilings for positions including police chief, fire chief, business administrator, and several department directors.
Several residents spoke in opposition during public comment, questioning the size and timing of the mayor’s raise. Council members defended the ordinance as an effort to align compensation for the mayor’s office with the scope and responsibilities of leading one of New Jersey’s largest townships.
The ordinance was approved on final reading without amendments.
PILOT Agreement Approved
The council also approved a long-term tax exemption ordinance tied to a driving range on Inman Avenue that the township plans to convert into senior housing.
The ordinance authorizes the mayor to enter into a 30-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement with Fairway Country Club Urban Renewal LLC for two five-story residential buildings and a community center.
Under the agreement, the developer will make annual payments to the township instead of paying traditional property taxes. PILOT agreements allow municipalities to retain a greater share of revenue than under the standard tax structure, though they also redirect funds that would otherwise flow to school districts and county government.
A council attorney said the township could still share a portion of the PILOT revenue with the school district once an agreement is finalized. Councilmember Nishith Patel said he expects the state to fill the local school funding gap.
Committee Elimination Ordinance Tabled After Public Feedback
The council voted unanimously to table a proposed ordinance that would have eliminated several local commissions and committees. The ordinance identified the Municipal Alliance and Youth Services Commission, Cable Television Advisory Committee, Citizens Award Committee, and Abilities Advisory Committee as “duplicative and no longer serving their original intended purpose.”
During public comment, multiple residents raised concerns about the proposal, arguing that the affected committees continue to play meaningful roles in civic engagement, youth services, disability advocacy, and community recognition. Speakers urged the council to reconsider moving forward without broader public input or a clearer explanation of how the committees’ responsibilities would be absorbed elsewhere.
Following public comments, council members moved to table the ordinance rather than advance it, a decision that drew praise from residents in attendance. Several speakers thanked the council for listening to community concerns and pausing the measure to allow additional review.
Council members indicated the ordinance could be revisited at a future meeting after further discussion.
Major Spending Items Approved by Resolution
Beyond the ordinances, the council approved a slate of resolutions that included several notable financial commitments, many of which passed together as part of the consent agenda.
Among the largest items was a professional services contract totaling more than $700,000 to Liro Architects & Engineers West, P.C., to design and oversee the construction of a new garage for the Department of Public Works.
The council also approved multiple six-figure contracts for information technology and cybersecurity services, and a $185,000 contract for veterinary services.
The council also approved several large tax sale certificate refunds and other year-end financial adjustments as the township prepares to close its books for 2025.
One resolution authorized the use of opioid settlement funds for treatment and recovery services in partnership with JFK Medical Center. The funds stem from nationwide civil settlements between governments and opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies. Under New Jersey’s distribution plan, roughly half of the settlement money is allocated directly to municipalities to support treatment, prevention, and recovery programs.
Council members did not pull any resolutions for separate discussion, and the full consent agenda was approved as presented.
Farewell Remarks From Outgoing Council Members
The latter portion of the meeting shifted from policy to reflection as colleagues, residents, and officials recognized Harris, Patel, and Poyner, each of whom is concluding a term on the council at year’s end.
Among those in attendance was Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, an Edison resident, who addressed the council during public comment and thanked the outgoing members for their years of service.
“Civic duty is not an easy task at all, and you’ve seen it,” Karabinchak said. “You’ve seen the good, you’ve seen the bad, you’ve seen the ugly. However, you’ve stood here, and you’ve done your absolute best for everyone in Edison, whether they agree with you or they don’t.”
Poyner delivered extended remarks thanking his family, fellow council members, township staff, and the many boards and commissions he worked with during his tenure. He reflected on his path into local government and emphasized the importance of civic engagement.
Patel also offered closing remarks, thanking colleagues and residents while reflecting on his years of service and committee work.
Harris, who has served on the council since 2016 and presided over the body during the past year, was recognized by her colleagues for her leadership and steady guidance. Several speakers highlighted her role in navigating complex budget discussions and maintaining order during contentious debates. Harris thanked township employees, fellow council members, and residents for their support.
Several residents echoed those sentiments, offering words of gratitude for the outgoing members’ commitment to the community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the final meeting concluded, attention now turns to the township’s reorganization meeting early next year, when three newly elected council members—Robert Kentos, Biral Patel, and Kelli Dima—will be sworn in.
All three are Democrats who ran on Mayor Joshi’s ticket, and their arrival will coincide with the selection of a new council president and vice president, as well as committee assignments for 2026.
As Edison closes out the year, Monday’s meeting served as both an endpoint and a transition—finalizing major policy decisions while marking the end of service for longtime council members and setting the stage for the township’s next chapter.