The council introduced Ordinance 572-25, earmarking $2,266,200 for various township improvements, categorized under capital improvements. This ordinance passed unanimously, with a public hearing scheduled for mid-July. In addition to the capital improvements, the council discussed adopting the 2025 budget, which passed without public comment. The budget presentation highlighted a surplus of $2.1 million but raised concerns about dwindling reserves, which decreased by $321,000 this year.

A point of discussion was the township’s low debt percentage, noted to be below the state limit at 0.83%, and the stagnation of state aid at $1,370,000 for 15 years. This stagnation has affected utility bill revenue, as changes in state aid calculations have diminished energy receipts previously collected by municipalities. The council acknowledged ongoing challenges with fluctuating grant timings and noted the impact of declining cable franchise fees as residents move away from traditional cable services.

Tax allocation was another focal point, with 61.63% of tax dollars dedicated to education, 24% to the municipality, 11% to the county, and smaller portions to open space and library funding. The council expressed a desire to increase contributions from commercial properties to alleviate the tax burden on residents, noting potential developments such as multifamily apartments and assisted living facilities.

Addressing affordable housing obligations, the council endorsed resolution 25-174, which supports the fourth round of the housing element fair share plan. This plan outlines a requirement for 102 units, proposing developments like a site on Planefield Road with 22 units, including three affordable ones, and a car wash site projected to yield 167 units, 33 of which would be affordable. The proposed assisted living facility near Walgreens would add 10 affordable units, and credits from the Lounsbury property were highlighted as beneficial. The endorsement of this plan passed without objections.

The council also reviewed Resolution 25-172, which introduced the 2025 budget. The budget process was unchanged, with departments working on their budgets from September to November, followed by a preliminary budget in December and discussions from March to May. The anticipated adoption is in July. Notably, the township’s budget does not require state approval, which streamlines the process.

Further, the council delved into the distribution of tax dollars, with a majority allocated to education. The finance officer clarified misconceptions about tax increases, explaining that even with a drop in tax rates, many residents faced increased bills. The council noted a 4% increase in expenses driven by pension costs and solid waste disposal, and expressed concern over upcoming solid waste contract bids and anticipated increases in health insurance costs.

The council also focused on community events and department updates. The First Aid Squad launched its annual fundraising drive, emphasizing its volunteer-based operations and high call volume. The library announced summer events and its role as a community hub, while the recreation department shared plans for a summer concert series and family events.

Public comments included a discussion on eminent domain, with Charles from Renowitz Millington raising concerns about past property appraisals and settlements. Another audience member, Frank Liberado, inquired about hiring a new police chief, solid waste collection strategies, and the reliability of the senior van. The council addressed these concerns, noting applications for federal grants to acquire a new van and confirming the library as a designated cooling center during heatwaves.