At the forefront of the meeting was the approval of the 2025 capital budget, which was presented with a $97,000 reduction from its initial proposal. The revised budget addresses infrastructure needs and safety upgrades across multiple departments. The roof, over three decades old, was deemed beyond repair, necessitating a complete replacement.

The police department received attention with a proposed budget of $660,000. This funding is earmarked for replacing aging vehicles and a substantial $510,000 investment in an Axon system. The Axon system will modernize body-worn cameras, in-car video cameras, and digital evidence collection systems. Concerns were raised about the current Panasonic equipment, which is obsolete and unsupported.

In the realm of emergency services, the budget request included $125,000 for immediate expenditures. A notable aspect was the decision to approach the purchase of a new ambulance as a two-year project, with $75,000 allocated this year for the chassis. The urgency of this phased approach was highlighted by the extended ambulance production timeline, projected to reach 2027 without preemptive action. The existing ambulance set for replacement is a 2016 Ford E450.

Further discussions in the meeting revolved around the procurement of technology for general administration. The council considered a $15,000 request to replace outdated laptops unable to support recent software upgrades. A council member suggested exploring leasing options for computers as a potential cost-effective solution, given the rapid pace of technological obsolescence. This idea was met with interest, and the council agreed to investigate this alternative further.

The meeting also addressed the acquisition of emergency medical equipment, including personal protective equipment and IT hardware, with a proposed budget of $50,000. Although these funds are not immediately required for the 2025 fiscal year, the council emphasized the importance of having resources available for urgent needs without impacting the operational budget.

In addition to budgetary matters, the council celebrated the achievements of local police officers. Awards were presented in recognition of outstanding service, with one officer honored with the 2024 Chief of Police Award for their dedication and fundraising efforts for the canine unit. Another officer received the 2024 Officer of the Year Award, acknowledging their exemplary performance and community recognition throughout the year. These awards underscored the department’s appreciation for the officers’ contributions to public safety.

The meeting also involved routine deliberations on ordinances and resolutions. Notably, an amendment to chapter 88 of the township code concerning animals and an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriation limits were unanimously supported. A resolution authorizing self-examination of the municipal budget was passed, and various payments were approved. The council also agreed to provide tax refunds for totally disabled veterans, although one council member abstained from the vote.

Public engagement was minimal, with no comments during the designated period. However, the council announced upcoming community events, including a recreation committee meeting and a basketball game featuring local police and fire departments playing with children.