The council members deliberated extensively on the mayor’s role, comparing it to that in other municipalities and considering the historical context in Vernon. The conversation touched upon the possible ramifications that a full-time designation could have, including changes in compensation, benefits, and pension eligibility. The council discussed how the mayor’s role could potentially overlap with other responsibilities in a full-time position and examined the current pension system for part-time elected officials in New Jersey, as well as insurance benefits for mayors. A suggestion was made to conduct a report or recommendation on the matter and to consult with other townships for a comparative analysis. A member volunteered to work on this report with the intent to revisit the discussion in two months and to present findings at the June 10th meeting.

Some residents expressed that a full-time mayor could offer greater accountability and accessibility, while others were concerned about the financial burden it could impose. The role of the mayor, the need for a clear analysis on compensation, and a suggestion for a ballot question to let citizens decide were also points of contention during the public commentary.

The introduced municipal budget for 2024 was a topic of mixed reception. The council acknowledged the hardships taxpayers are facing and noted the challenge of maintaining a 0% tax increase in light of rising municipal costs and inflation. The reliance on fund balance, which is being brought down to approximately 15% of the budget, was deemed a safe yet potentially unsustainable option in the long run, prompting calls for prudent financial planning and the exploration of alternative revenue streams.

Another agenda item was the debate on ordinance 2405 concerning a redevelopment plan for the Ryan Homes property. The council discussed zoning changes for properties larger than eight acres to allow for town expansion, addressing concerns regarding traffic and the use of the property for emergency access. Sean Clarken, a community member, supported the redevelopment plan, proposing the extension of similar zoning modifications to other nearby properties to increase developmental flexibility. Public comments included requests for clarity on tax abatements and a plea for transparency regarding expansion plans for the Vernon Municipal Utilities Authority.

The council also discussed various vendor payments, scrutinizing the purpose and necessity of expenditures on computer licenses, health insurance, and long-distance services. They examined new vendors, questioned the dependency on long-distance services given the shift to new phone service, and emphasized the importance of cost-effective vendor management.

Public comments brought forth diverse viewpoints with some residents commending the council for their collaborative budgeting efforts, while others criticized the wording of an ordinance related to property tax fees and requested more control over developer discretion. Updates on the correction of signage for a Scenic Byway project were also shared.

Lastly, financial management was a point of debate as council members expressed varying opinions on the use of budget reserves and its impact on the town’s credit rating. The potential consequences of depleting reserves were discussed, with calls for a conservative approach to budgeting and the strategic use of funds to ensure the township’s financial stability. A member raised the importance of considering future development projects and their effect on tax revenue, while concerns about the misuse of artificial intelligence in public meetings were also voiced.

The meeting concluded with expressions of sympathy for a deceased Board of Education member and a motion to reassess the town’s public meeting ordinance. A proposal was put forth to adjust the advertising of hybrid public meetings and to enhance the public comment process to mitigate technological issues and misuse.