A issue that dominated the meeting was the ongoing contract dispute involving the Millville Police Department. Katherine Chipley, union president for PBA 2113, highlighted that police officers had been working without a contract since January 2024. Chipley emphasized the city’s failure to engage in meaningful negotiations, with only two formal meetings having taken place, the last of which was on April 24, 2024. She underscored the salary disparity between Millville officers and those in neighboring Vineland, stating, “a Millville police officer will make approximately $28,000 less than a Vineland police officer.”

Chipley expressed concern over the exodus of officers to other departments due to non-competitive salaries. Since 2019, Millville had lost 14 officers, with many finding better pay and career advancement opportunities elsewhere. She warned that over half of the surveyed PBA members had taken civil service tests to transfer to other departments, and a third had already received job offers. Chipley stressed, “The biggest problem is the salaries here are not competitive,” and without addressing this, the city would struggle to retain qualified officers.

The public safety discussion extended to the staffing challenges within the police department. Chipley reported that replacing departing officers could take up to a year and a half before new hires could work independently. She noted a rise in crime rates, with recent recoveries of illegal firearms and an increase in confirmed shootings, urging public support for competitive contract offers to help with recruitment and retention.

Detective Tim Cardi echoed Chipley’s sentiments, sharing his frustration over the stalled contract negotiations and suggesting that a single commissioner might be obstructing progress. Cardi remarked, “It’s sad that we’re losing good officers because one person… is preventing these contracts for our public employees.”

The meeting also addressed broader public safety concerns. Residents like T. Ibe, who has lived on North 6th Street since the 1960s, detailed noise disturbances and speeding issues in their neighborhood, advocating for speed bumps to protect children and improve safety. Jonathan M. praised the professionalism of police officers assisting his congregation and underscored the need for a dedicated school resource officer, expressing concern over their reassignment to regular patrol duties.

Another resident, Anthony D. Santis, questioned the city’s financial strategies, asking how better funding for the police and fire departments could be achieved without compromising financial stability. He emphasized the importance of generating revenue through local businesses, stating, “Let’s bring in some more of that money and let’s reinvest it in the police department.”

Council members acknowledged these issues and highlighted the financial constraints impacting public safety. They pointed out that Millville has the lowest tax base in Cumberland County, complicating efforts to provide adequate funding. One commissioner shared a personal anecdote about an officer leaving the force due to dissatisfaction with working conditions, reflecting broader morale issues within the department. Another commissioner emphasized the need for community involvement in generating sustainable solutions, stressing that raising taxes was not a long-term fix.

The meeting also saw discussions about economic development and potential revenue sources. There were conversations regarding the possibility of allowing cannabis businesses in Millville, which could provide a new tax revenue stream. However, current regulations prohibit class six (retail) and class seven (delivery) cannabis operations, limiting potential economic benefits.

Residents raised various other community concerns, including the absence of a noise ordinance and the need for traffic safety improvements. The council explained the procedural requirements for implementing measures like speed bumps, which necessitate traffic safety studies.