The meeting’s central discussion focused on the implications of removing the captain’s position from the police department’s organizational structure. Concerns were raised about the potential consequences of this decision, particularly regarding leadership gaps, morale issues, and public safety challenges. A police department representative expressed frustration over the council’s approach, questioning whether the decision was truly budget-related or if it stemmed from other motivations. He pointed out that eliminating the captain’s position would result in a minimal cost-saving of only $26,326.46 in 2025, contrary to the council’s claim of a $32,000,000 savings.

Another individual, identified as a delegate, underscored the critical role of the captain in ensuring effective management within the department. He argued that the absence of a captain would place undue burdens on lower-ranking officers, leading to potential inconsistencies and a lack of clear command. He emphasized that previous attempts to replace the captain’s role with civilian employees had failed due to inadequate authority.

The chief of police also engaged in the discussion, detailing an alternative restructuring plan that would avoid hiring a 24th officer, thus saving the borough between $250,000 and $300,000. He proposed promoting an existing lieutenant to captain without requiring an examination, which would save approximately $1,900. However, he expressed disappointment over his exclusion from budget discussions, asserting that collaborative efforts could have identified additional savings of at least $40,000.

The council was also informed by a resident with longstanding ties to River Edge, who stressed the importance of preserving the captain’s position to maintain positive relationships between the police department and the community. He cautioned against prioritizing short-term financial savings over the long-term implications of reduced leadership capacity, warning that the potential costs of lawsuits or failed investigations could far exceed the savings from eliminating the position.

As public comments concluded, the council addressed the broader budgetary context, detailing the financial pressures faced by the borough. A significant factor was the sharp increase in health benefits costs, which rose by 34.4%, translating to a $532,000 budget impact. This increase compounded the existing fiscal challenges, prompting the council to consider difficult decisions regarding resource allocation.

The council’s financial predicament was further complicated by the need to cover cost of living increases for various employees, including those not under contract. This requirement added to the overall budgetary pressure, with the potential for a tax increase of up to 8% looming as a possibility.

In addition to the police department’s staffing concerns, the council addressed other financial matters, including the use of a $2.5 million surplus to cover budget shortfalls. They acknowledged that the surplus could replenish itself over two years, contingent on the differential between allocated funds and actual expenditures. The council also discussed broader issues affecting municipal funding, such as reductions in federal and state support, which have strained local government finances.