Phillipsburg officials tonight approved an ordinance that would fine people $2,000 for feeding feral cats or wildlife.

The ordinance had its first reading at tonight's town council meeting. It will become law after a second reading at the next meeting, which is scheduled Sept. 7.

A growing population of cats, skunks and raccoons in the northern section of Phillipsburg prompted council to propose the ordinance.

Also at tonight's meeting, Mayor Harry

, and Bobbi Santini, of Feline Urban Rescue and Rehab, has agreed to help Phillipsburg with its feral cat problem.

Santini runs a trap-neuter-release program.