The council prioritized a significant agenda item early in the meeting: the appointment of Denise Donado as the new court administrator for the Dunellen Municipal Court. Her appointment was expedited due to the presence of her family, including her young children, at the session. The council unanimously passed Resolution 155, allowing Donado to be sworn in promptly. Her commitment to uphold the U.S. and New Jersey Constitutions marked a formal beginning to her role.

Attention then turned to the borough’s financial landscape, with Chief Financial Officer Scott Olsen and Business Administrator Alex Miller presenting the municipal budget. Olsen clarified that this meeting served as an introduction to the budget, with a public hearing planned for the following month. He detailed the intricacies of the budget, emphasizing that less than 10% was discretionary, while the rest was earmarked for non-discretionary spending such as salaries, health insurance, and debt service. Rising healthcare and utility costs, alongside increased pension contributions, posed significant challenges for the budget.

Olsen highlighted the borough’s proactive measures to curb healthcare expenditure, such as a difference card program offering employees lower-cost premiums. Despite these efforts, rising costs continued to strain the budget. The CFO explained the tax levy process, noting last year’s $6 million tax revenue and projecting a 2% increase, adding approximately $120,000. However, mandatory exceptions for healthcare, pensions, and debt service could drive up costs by $300,000, complicating the budgetary balance.

The discussion also touched on property taxes, which remain the primary revenue source. Despite an increase in property values by nearly $46 million last year, resulting in a slight decrease in the municipal tax rate, the borough still faces a $392,000 gap between expenditures and revenue. The council’s focus remains on diversifying revenue streams to alleviate the tax burden on residents.

A crucial aspect of the budget discussion involved the introduction of a bond ordinance authorizing nearly $3.4 million in spending for roadway improvements, a new dump truck, and IT enhancements. The funding approach includes both short and long-term borrowing, with a recent $7.5 million short-term borrowing secured at a competitive interest rate. The council stressed the importance of market conditions in securing favorable terms and noted that over $1 million of the spending would be offset by grants, highlighting efforts to minimize debt.

Beyond financial matters, the council recognized April as National Volunteer Month. A proclamation celebrated local volunteers. The Dunellen Arts Inclusion and Culture Commission members participated in the proclamation reading, emphasizing the value of volunteerism.

In addition to budget and volunteerism, the council introduced and passed several ordinances and resolutions. These included a prohibition on motorized vehicles in parks, except for those used by individuals with disabilities, and a bond ordinance for capital improvements. Resolutions covered a variety of topics, from hiring instructors for the recreation department to contracting Verizon for police vehicle equipment. Concerns about potential overusage costs for air cards were addressed, with further clarification promised.

The council also approved a shared services agreement with the Middlesex County Improvement Authority for recycling collection, set to provide each household with a 95-gallon container. Logistics, particularly in areas with limited parking, were discussed to ensure smooth implementation. Moreover, the council authorized contracts for infrastructure projects, such as the milling and paving of Second Street, and urgent repairs to the ADA ramp at the Dell Public Library ahead of upcoming elections.

Reports included public works’ ongoing maintenance efforts and preparation for the spring season, as well as upcoming recreational events like an Easter egg hunt and baseball season opening. The meeting concluded with public comments and reminders of upcoming events.