The budget presentation was a central focus of the meeting, drawing attention from council members and the public alike. Township Administrator Tim Quinn and Township Auditor Valerie Dolan played key roles, highlighting the diligence involved in crafting a balanced budget. They underscored the challenges posed by rising healthcare and insurance costs, as well as the increasing prices of goods and services.

Valerie Dolan commended the budget, stating that it was within statutory appropriation and tax levy caps and would not place undue burdens on future budgets. The council discussed the impact of a 5% increase in state health benefits plan costs, a 9% rise in prescription expenses, and a fortunate zero percent budget increase for pensions due to a 5% increase in public employees’ pension costs.

The council addressed concerns over rising gasoline costs, influencing the Department of Public Works’ budget, and the need for additional funds to accommodate this. Fluctuating tipping and recycling fees were also topics of financial concern, with an extra $50,000 allocated to cover increased fees. Additionally, the council discussed the use of Bond Anticipation Notes to fund new projects and the financial strain of the municipal swim pool, requiring a substantial subsidy from the municipal budget.

The council proudly noted the tax collection rate of over 99%, which exceeds the budgeted 97%, and the stability of the municipal tax rate over the past decade. They emphasized the importance of maintaining a solid fund balance to handle revenue losses and ensure a stable AAA Bond rating. The fund balance policy aims to keep 15-20% of the budget, excluding the reserve for uncollected taxes.

Regarding the allocation of funds, the council discussed plans for the police department and public works’ new hires, as well as allocations for operating expenses, statutory expenses, capital projects, debt service, and reserves for uncollected taxes. They provided details on capital improvement projects, including road overlays, reconstruction projects, firehouse maintenance, sanitation trucks, and park equipment. The council also mentioned a planned tax rate increase of 2% for the municipal tax rate and a potential reduction in the county tax rate.

Issues discussed included the condition of a local road, with assurances of repaving and potential speed limit changes; a rat problem linked to a nearby school and restaurants, with plans to meet with the school superintendent; and environmental concerns such as the impact of gas-powered leaf blowers on noise levels and air quality. The council agreed to consider these issues further.

The council also handled ordinances and agreements, including the rescission of ordinance 0624 due to confusion about sick leave benefits and the introduction of corrected ordinance 0824. Ordinance 0724, which pertains to a shared service agreement with the borough of Mountain Lakes for sewer pump station operations, was approved and adopted.

The meeting covered various grants and initiatives, including those for opioid settlement, Municipal Alliance, and mental health services. The council highlighted the high-level services provided to residents, such as emergency responses and health services. Shared services like the joint court with neighboring towns, which have enhanced cost savings and efficiency, were also acknowledged.