A significant part of the meeting centered on the allocation of funds from the state of New Jersey’s opioid settlement. The council discussed strategies to target specific age groups to minimize drug use and reduce law enforcement exposure. Additionally, they reviewed a $133,000 increase in administrative costs due to contractual steps and level increases for employees. The police department’s budget was scrutinized, with challenges highlighted such as the impending retirements of officers, state mandates, and an increase in calls for service. The council discussed the need for adequate staffing and resources, as well as the impact of tax exemptions for disabled veterans on town revenue.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) was another focal point, with discussions on salary increases for road repairs and maintenance due to contractual obligations and employee turnover. The council debated the challenges of recruiting seasonal employees and the financial investment in employee training, such as CDL licenses, and the implications for employee retention and taxpayer interests.

Furthermore, the town’s efforts in digitizing records were debated, with estimates of the cost ranging from $200,000 to $500,000. The council considered the benefits of digitization against the high costs and security concerns, as well as the need for additional staff to handle major development projects.

Other budget items discussed included the impact of increased costs for workers’ compensation, liability insurances, and pension contributions on the town’s finances. The council also examined the effect of grants, notably the $3.45 million received from a Congressional Community funding project, and the potential residual costs to the town.

The council addressed the administration’s proposed budget focusing on maintaining service levels and addressing infrastructure needs, and opened the floor to public comments. There was concern about the projected 4.5% tax increase and its impact on residents. The auditor provided an overview of the budgeting process in New Jersey and the importance of starting the budget planning process early.

Long-term budget planning was emphasized, particularly for capital projects and long-term debt. The recommended percentage of fund balance to keep sparked debates, as did the need for a fund balance policy and the use of the cap bank for emergencies. The impact of fund balance on financial stability and credit rating, as well as the necessity of debt financing for large projects, were also key discussion points.

The council’s discussion on the police department’s budget was detailed, covering the challenges posed by officer retirements and the impact of state mandates. The increase in calls for service was noted, and the budget examination included changes in salary and wages, operating expenses, and service contracts.

Additionally, the council scrutinized budget amendments and the self-examination process required by the state, providing an overview of the regulatory framework governing budgetary changes.

The meeting also covered various departmental budgets, including recycling, equipment maintenance, buildings and grounds, fleet salaries and wages, and the Parks department. The repair of catch basins and the need for additional resources and safety measures for road maintenance were discussed.

The fire prevention expenses, township clerk’s budget, finance department’s expenses, tax collection and assessor departments’ budgets, and land use and building department funding were reported, with changes in salaries, wages, and line items detailed.

Lastly, the council discussed the delay in acquiring a street sweeper, the snow and ice budget, and the town’s snow trust, as well as insurance costs, shared services, grants, utility bills, and statutory obligations. The Municipal Service Act requirements and debt service and capital lines were examined, highlighting the decrease in the Capital Improvement fund and an increase in debt payments for bonds.