33:25Resident Andrew Bucko brought attention to budgetary discrepancies he observed, emphasizing a significant reduction in township staff due to retirements and unfilled positions. Bucko argued that these reductions should have resulted in a $2.4 million surplus in the payroll budget. Instead, he noted an increase in township spending by $1.9 million, or 4%, from 2023 to 2024. He criticized the council for an apparent increase in supervisory roles from 12 to 21, raising questions about the council’s accountability if public budget documents contained inaccuracies. A council member responded by clarifying the role of the tax assessor, noting that the position operates under state regulation, thus outside the council’s direct control. Despite this explanation, Bucko maintained that discrepancies in budget documents necessitated further investigation by the council.

16:10Resident Martha Barrett, from Rolling Hills Road, echoed similar frustrations, focusing on tax assessment processes and the impact of recent staffing changes within the school district. Barrett expressed anxiety over rising tax levies as a fixed-income resident and sought clarity on why the district reduced its workforce by 46 employees while hiring nine new supervisors. Her concerns extended to the broader implications of these decisions on community stability and residency, urging the council to provide more transparent communication and information on these matters.

Elizabeth Kuchik voiced frustration over the theft of over 200 political signs, including four from her property, and commended the police department for their professional handling of the situation. However, she criticized the council for not taking definitive action sooner, questioning the allocation of police resources and taxpayer funds to investigate the thefts. Kuchik called for leadership that better represents all constituents, emphasizing the need for the council to address this issue more effectively.

Anda Croan raised issues regarding traffic safety and budget planning. She praised the police department’s traffic bureau for addressing her safety concerns around Cromwell Park but criticized the council for a lack of transparency in planning the 2025 budget. Croan highlighted the absence of public discussions similar to those held for the previous year’s $63 million municipal budget, seeking clarity on the current budget timeline and fiscal management.

33:25The council deliberated on an ordinance concerning municipal employee compensation, including salaries for the mayor, department heads, and the municipal court judge. The discussions addressed adjustments due to a shared service agreement with the Borough of Raritan. Bucko raised questions about the enforceability of the municipal judge’s decision to opt out of the Bridgewater Health Plan, expressing concerns about future judges’ eligibility for benefits. The council clarified that while the current judge opted out, the participation of future judges remained uncertain.

As the meeting proceeded, the council addressed several resolutions related to site improvements and performance guarantees for various properties. One resolution was tabled due to potential discrepancies, while the others were approved collectively. The council also discussed the sale of a property designated for affordable housing, which included provisions for financial support from the township’s affordable housing trust fund if the developer encountered construction cost challenges.