Mayor Matthew Moench proudly announced the procurement of a $4 million federal grant from Congressman Kane, earmarked for the enhancement of Camp Cromwell’s facilities. The mayor emphasized the significance of this funding, highlighting its potential to improve public access and enhance the camp’s amenities. The announcement was a focal point of the meeting.

In addition to the grant, the council delved into discussions about the 2024 municipal budget. The council president detailed the collaborative process behind the budget preparation, involving the administration and the budget and finance committee. The president acknowledged the challenges posed by inflation and various mandates. He highlighted key positive areas in the budget, including investments in transparency through website and document management system improvements, funding for two additional police officers and necessary equipment in response to rising crime rates, and responsible debt management through cash purchases for essential equipment and infrastructure.

The budget discussion revealed a projected average tax increase of about $166 per year for homeowners, attributed to reassessments and adjustments. The council president expressed gratitude towards the budget committee, emphasizing that the budget represents a compromise aimed at addressing diverse community requests and needs.

Public input on the budget was fervent, with residents expressing dissatisfaction with the delayed introduction of the budget and rising property taxes. Resident Kathy Franco criticized the council for its fiscal management, highlighting substantial property tax increases and urging the council to reconsider its spending practices, particularly in regard to administrative costs. Another resident echoed these concerns, linking budgetary issues to inadequate streetlight maintenance and transparency about streetlight locations.

The council also addressed the issue of the removal of landscaped islands in cul-de-sacs, which had sparked concerns among residents. A resident named Joseph Darren expressed frustration over the removal of trees in a cul-de-sac without proper notice or opportunity for community input. The council president clarified that the issue was a broader administrative problem, and there was an acknowledgment of the need for consistent communication regarding such maintenance activities.

Further discussions centered on municipal projects, with a council member acknowledging the lack of clarity that had led to confusion among residents about various projects. The dialogue included questions about the distinctions between different types of municipal projects and how they are categorized.

The meeting also featured a public hearing regarding the 2024 municipal budget, where a resident raised concerns about the tax levy and the implications of budgetary decisions. Another resident, Mahish, questioned the timeline for repaving all roads in Bridgewater, noting the frustrations with temporary fixes for potholes. A council member responded by outlining the town’s ongoing five-year, $40 million project aimed at improving road conditions, though it would not cover every road.

In response to these budgetary concerns, the council discussed the adoption of the 2024 municipal budget, which included proposed operational expenses and utility costs. The budget discussion culminated in a vote, with one council member expressing intent to vote against it, advocating for budget cuts and deeming the amount to be raised through taxation excessive.

The meeting also addressed the future of the local mall, with discussions indicating that the owners’ vision aligns with the town’s goals to maintain the mall as a retail space without introducing housing. This topic has been a recurring concern in past meetings.

The council also took steps towards compliance with state law by discussing an ordinance to exceed municipal budget appropriations limits and establish a cap bank. The cap bank mechanism allows municipalities to bank unused capacity for tax levy increases, which could be utilized in future years if necessary. The council voted in favor of the ordinance, acknowledging the importance of this fiscal tool.

Additionally, the council approved an ordinance mandating lead-based paint inspections for both residential and commercial properties constructed before 1978. The ordinance includes a $25 filing fee and clarifies that the township will partner with an outside consultant to conduct the inspections.

The meeting concluded with resolutions supporting local governance and community services, including the dispersal of funds for renovations and repairs to low and moderate-income properties and the waiver of construction permit fees for the Somerset County Regional Animal Shelter. The council also addressed a resolution designating a property on Foothill Road as an area in need of redevelopment, initiating the next steps in the redevelopment planning process.