The 2025 municipal budget presentation was a focal point of the council meeting. A key feature of the budget is a 3% increase in the municipal tax levy, which includes library-related changes, effectively making the increase about 2.3% when excluding the library’s portion. The budget outlines total current fund general appropriations of $23,609,967, with attention given to the impact of rising health insurance premiums, which have increased by 15.5%, and other factors like pension costs and debt service. Despite the increases, the township maintains a solid tax collection rate of 99.2% and benefits from higher revenues due to increased interest rates.

The budget also allocates funds for essential capital improvements, including park enhancements, fire apparatus, and a sidewalk replacement program aimed at mitigating hazardous conditions. An ambulance acquisition is also planned. The utilities budget sees a decrease, primarily due to the satisfaction of deferred charges, with a significant construction project, the POS mitigation filter at the water treatment facility, currently out for bids.

During the presentation, appreciation was expressed for the collaborative efforts of staff and volunteers in preparing the budget. The council members showed gratitude for the comprehensive presentation, reflecting on the positive outlook and the municipality’s financial health.

In addition to the budget matters, the council heard from a representative of Propel, an organization focused on mental health and community leadership. Propel has implemented a significant initiative featuring a QR code that links residents to 80 mental health resources. To promote the initiative, Propel organized a concert to celebrate the Shamrock School of Music’s 16th anniversary, successfully raising funds for a direct mail campaign targeting 6,500 households.

Propel also announced upcoming community events, including their fourth annual PrideFest on June 7th, which has garnered a record number of sponsors. The representative requested the council issue a Pride Month proclamation for June and sought approval to display pride flags in front of town hall. The First Reformed Church, which owns the property, has already authorized the flag placement. Megan Dempsey, a public commenter, voiced her support for this initiative, emphasizing the importance of visible support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The meeting also covered various resolutions, including the council’s authorization for the police department to participate in the Arrive Together program with the Mental Health Association. The council approved several resolutions without dissent, including a special event permit for a fire department 5K run and the sale of municipal notes at a favorable interest rate.

Public comments touched on diverse topics, from support for the budget management to requests for community engagement in decisions affecting public spaces. A resident, Mary K. Sherman, called for community discussion regarding the repainting of a blue line in front of the municipal building, advocating for consideration of its origin and neutrality.