The most notable topic of the evening was the presentation of the 2023 audit conducted by township auditor John Mooney. Mooney explained that the audit, completed on June 18, 2024, received an “unmodified opinion,” the highest rating given to municipal financial statements. He emphasized that the role of an auditor is to provide an opinion based on the financial records from the Chief Financial Officer and other departments. The audit revealed that Blairstown’s current fund cash position decreased from $6.8 million in 2022 to $3.8 million in 2023, largely due to the reallocation of funds to other accounts. This reallocation was deemed positive, reflecting sound financial management.

Mooney highlighted that the township’s delinquent tax collection rate improved slightly to 98.59% in 2023, with delinquent taxes reducing from $269,000 to $261,000. He commended the tax collector’s performance, noting its contribution to the township’s financial health. Mooney also discussed the consistent emergency budgetary measure of approximately $111,000 over the past two years, mainly due to overtime expenses in the Department of Public Works and police.

Another point was the increase in state aid for the Municipal Relief Fund, which rose from $150,000 to $305,000, though this funding will not be available in the next budget cycle, creating a projected $35,000 shortfall. Mooney also recommended establishing reserves for tax appeals and storm recovery to enhance fiscal preparedness.

Debt management was another topic. The town holds two bonds: a refunding bond and a Serial Bond from 2022, with the latter to be paid off by 2032. The remaining balance on this bond is $4.2 million, having decreased by $400,000 over the past year. The annual debt reduction for the current year totals $570,000, with a projection of approximately $170,000 in annual payments expected until the 2028 payoff date. The town’s Capital Improvement Fund increased from $271,000 to $348,000, while the general capital fund balance declined from $169,000 to $108,000 due to municipal purchases.

The evening also featured a discussion about the ongoing dam removal project, part of a broader environmental restoration effort funded primarily by penalties from polluters. The project aims to restore the river ecosystem by removing significant sediment accumulated over the years. The removal process, expected to continue until the end of October, is anticipated to improve water temperatures and dissolved oxygen levels, crucial for native fish species like trout and shad. The project received positive feedback from representatives of the Mid Atlantic States Habitat and Ecosystem Services Group from NOAA, who visited the site recently.

Public transportation developments were also addressed, with concerns about the lack of services and parking in the region. The complexities of funding processes and Amtrak’s involvement were also explored, emphasizing the need for comprehensive planning and coordination with state and federal initiatives.

Public comment revealed community concern over the classification of certain town properties as open space. A participant inquired whether Town Hall, the fire hall, and Main Street are considered open space, expressing intentions to submit an open records request for clarification. The council acknowledged the comment but noted that it was not a Q&A session.

Several ordinances were discussed and approved, including one amending the township code related to the police department’s off-duty employment and another modifying stormwater ordinances to include tree removal regulations. A motion was also approved to fund street sign replacements using $10,000 from capital money.

In other business, the council addressed the status of Jones Farm, with plans to remove barns and clear the site for potential community recreation developments. The council also approved a resolution urging support for online legal notices, reflecting changes in media consumption and the declining effectiveness of print advertising for public meetings.