The proposed 2025 municipal budget was a focal point, with general appropriations totaling $69,399,194. The budget discussion underscored the financial pressures faced by the township, notably due to rising health and liability insurance premiums and increased employer pension contributions. The employer contribution for pension plans has risen by 8.34%, and for police and firefighter retirement systems, it has increased by 18.25%, resulting in an additional burden of over $800,000. Moreover, the recycling contract with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority is slated for a 39% increase, adding complexity to the budget planning process.

During the meeting, it was noted that employee-related costs, including salaries, benefits, and payroll taxes, comprise nearly 64% of the budget. The budget also includes provisions for two new full-time positions: a patrol officer and a laborer in public works. The estimated proposed municipal tax rate for 2025 is 1.03. For an average home assessed at $157,373, this translates to an approximate municipal tax increase of $27.

The township plans to conduct three budget subcommittee workshops in March, open to the public, to delve deeper into the budget, line by line. A formal presentation and public hearing on the budget are scheduled for the April 8 council meeting, with budget documents to be made available for public review at various township locations and online.

The township is grappling with state-mandated caps that limit tax increases, with the tax levy cap restricting municipalities from raising more than 2% over the prior year. For 2025, the township remains under this cap by $625,000. An ordinance was introduced to allow the township to increase final appropriations up to the statutory limit of 3.5%, with the township currently under this cap by just over $16,733.34.

In addition to the budget discussions, the meeting saw the introduction of new police officers and the promotion of existing ones, led by the Chief of Police. The Chief emphasized the importance of public safety and the department’s ongoing efforts, which include expanding the traffic safety unit and implementing an aggressive driving detail. Promotions were announced for several officers, including James McCauley Jr. and Michael Bodo to Captain, and Joseph Guan and Herbert Doctors to Lieutenant. Patrick Montagna and Philip Belgio were promoted to Sergeant. Three new officers were also introduced: Jag Pri Car, Brandon Grover, and Michael Sansone.

The council moved to introduce the budget, which was unanimously approved. Other agenda items included two bond ordinances: one for general improvements and another for arena improvements, with public hearings set for April 8. The early introduction of these ordinances aims to enable departments to bid on projects sooner, potentially securing better pricing.

A resolution was passed approving the governing body’s certification of compliance with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s enforcement guidance regarding arrest and conviction records in employment decisions. The township attorney reported on settlement amounts related to a federal consent decree, noting that all payments have been made, with the township earning nearly $200,000 in interest and recovering an additional $177,000 from an insurance company.

The public comment portion of the meeting included expressions of gratitude towards Mayor Debbie Walker and the council for their support in negotiating a new four-year contract, described as the “best reached in decades.” However, another member of the public raised concerns about the leadership and behavior of a council member, urging a change in conduct.