The central focus of the meeting was the public hearing on the 2025 municipal budget, which had been introduced in late March. During the hearing, residents voiced their apprehensions about increasing taxes and the potential depletion of surplus funds. Gregory Cohen, a local resident, questioned the rising taxes and the direction in which Brick is heading, emphasizing his concern that the town is being shaped by political motives rather than sound financial practices.

Another resident, Lisa Reena, pointed to the significant draw from surplus funds over recent years, noting that the current year saw a particularly high amount taken from reserves. She questioned the council on how much more of the surplus they were willing to exhaust and whether they would maintain transparency in future budgeting practices. Her concerns were echoed by Maline, who also highlighted the potential for significant tax increases in the coming years and questioned the sustainability of relying on surplus funds to balance the budget.

The budget discussion was not limited to concerns about the present year. Several residents, including a concerned citizen who spoke during the public comment session, focused on the anticipated 16.7% tax increase projected for 2026. The speaker highlighted the challenges faced by residents on fixed incomes, exacerbated by inadequate state aid for schools and local policies accommodating a growing number of non-English-speaking students. These comments underscored the broader fiscal pressures facing the township.

In response to these concerns, the Chief Financial Officer, Moren Laffy Berg, provided insight into efforts to replenish the surplus, citing potential revenues from FEMA funds, police job administrative fees, and other miscellaneous sources. These efforts aim to stabilize the township’s finances and address the residents’ concerns about future tax hikes and budget transparency.

Beyond budgetary issues, the council addressed several other notable matters during the meeting. A resolution was approved to authorize a special events permit for the grand opening of Shah Halal Food on Hooper Avenue. The meeting also saw the introduction of a new bond ordinance aimed at constructing a new building and garage for the Department of Public Works, with plans for future improvements in vehicle maintenance and a truck wash.

Public safety and community engagement were also topics. The council recognized National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, highlighting the critical role of local dispatch staff during emergencies. There was also a discussion about traffic enforcement, with residents raising concerns about roadwork, traffic violations, and the need for increased enforcement of red lights.

Another topic of interest was the township’s status regarding federal immigration laws. A speaker raised questions about Brick being a sanctuary town, noting a substantial increase in non-English-speaking students in local schools and questioning the council’s compliance with federal immigration laws. The township attorney clarified that local police comply with federal law and that interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are governed by federal protocols.

Community events and local initiatives also featured prominently in the meeting. The mayor thanked volunteers for their participation in recent cleanup events and announced upcoming community activities, including a senior citizen prom and a green fair. These events aim to foster community spirit and encourage environmental responsibility among residents.