The budget presentation was met with technical difficulties, but the council managed to provide insights into the financial plans for the city. The budget included adjustments made for inflation, particularly concerning gasoline and natural gas prices. Public comments raised questions about the inclusion of union contract negotiations within the budget and the potential effects of inflation on supplies and materials costs. Concerns were also voiced regarding the decrease in taxes and its relation to trash removal from the budget, as well as the allocation for infrastructure improvements.

In addition to budgetary matters, the council addressed the proposed sale of the 15th Street Warehouse. The sale, amounting to $6.5 million, was discussed with urgency due to the immediate need for the proceeds to fund capital improvements. The debate centered around whether to opt for temporary storage solutions to avoid large payments to a developer or to find a permanent solution. The challenges of leasing based on ordinance language, the costs of moving equipment, and the impact on existing ratables if the warehouse was sold were all considered. The council acknowledged the need for a prompt decision, given the ongoing costs of the current warehouse and the long-term implications of any storage solution.

Another point of debate was an ordinance that sought to amend motor vehicle and traffic regulations, specifically to remove parking reserved for handicapped persons at a particular location. A separate ordinance aimed to add an additional Lieutenant to the Millville Police Department.

The council also discussed an ordinance clarifying that asphalt plants and mining operations are not permitted uses in the AE zoning district. This sparked a debate, as concerns about the potential negative impacts on the community were expressed. Additionally, there was a discussion around the renaming of a street and the agreement of sale to convey a deed easement to the state of New Jersey.

The meeting further included announcements of community events such as a fishing event at Corson Park, the upcoming Olympic Day Parade, and a resolution authorizing a special event called “Chalk the Walk.” Attention was also drawn to overgrown grass violations and the importance of keeping the city’s appearance in check.

Residents took advantage of the public comment portion to express concerns about various fees and taxes, including a lead registration fee and a trash fee. Questions about emergency demolitions at the Millville airport and the allocation of space for cannabis businesses were also raised. Some residents commended the city’s budget management and the work of the police and fire departments.

The council discussed delinquent Solid Waste utility fees, with concerns about unpaid quarterly payments and the process for handling delinquent notices. There was debate over implementing late fees and their potential impact on residents. A member of the public expressed concerns about the fairness of penalizing those on tight budgets with late fees for tax and utility payments.