One notable issues discussed was the township’s aging ladder truck, which after two decades of service is due for replacement. This is no small financial undertaking, and the council has formed a committee to explore vendor options and consider the fiscal impact. With the truck barely fitting into its current 39 feet and 8-inch clearance space, the need for a modern replacement is clear. The committee has already initiated discussions with various vendors.

Additionally, the council addressed the need for radio reprogramming within the fire department, a budget item for the year, and the procurement of an electric vehicle nozzle, a vital tool for handling fires involving electric vehicle batteries.

The fire department’s budget did not only involve equipment but also the acquisition of a new command vehicle, a 2023 Tahoe, which provides enhanced operational capabilities. Moreover, the council rectified an error from the previous year’s police budget that omitted the chief’s salary and acknowledged the need for additional crossing guards and accounting for increased police overtime.

Insurance costs were another major topic of discussion, with an increase of $310,000 in group medical benefits costs for the township. Vehicle insurance expenses also saw an uptick, a trend that Township Manager Tucci noted as being common across many towns. The necessity to address stagnant utility rates was highlighted, with no changes since 2017, prompting the council to consider a rate study to evaluate the potential for increases in line with infrastructure and operating costs.

The pool utility budget drew attention due to its goal of achieving self-sustainability. The council reviewed increased costs in general liability insurance and maintenance, including new pumps for the swimming pool. There was also talk of potential rate increases and extended hours for the pool, with Township Manager Zichelli providing financial insights into the operation.

The library and engineering budgets were also examined, with Catherine from the library presenting adjustments, such as a decrease in part-time staff expenses and a slight increase in postage costs. The engineering budget, presented by Jerry, reflected reductions in staff overtime and other operational expenses, yet an increase in the streets and roads budget to cover the rising cost of materials for pothole repairs.

Maintenance contracts, such as the one for Panther Park, which saw a significant increase due to an accounting error, were discussed, and Township Manager Tucci commended the Department of Public Works for their exceptional work during snowstorms. The parks and playgrounds budget was also reviewed, with increases attributed to the aforementioned maintenance contract.

The meeting shifted focus to the water utility, scrutinizing cost increases in the water operating budget and the purchase of water from suppliers. Discussions with Mike Roso, the MS4 storm water inspector, revolved around the rising costs of hydrants and stone. The Township Manager stressed the importance of communicating these cost increases to residents.

Debt service for the water utility was another focal point, with significant payments planned for the year and considerations for future bond conversions or consolidations. Mayor Kerry Peterson emphasized the need for a thorough rate study before any utility rate increases could be implemented.

The sore administration and maintenance budgets saw increases across various line items, as did the operating budget with hikes in overtime and treatment plant expenses. The Public Utilities budget, covering essential expenses to keep the lights on in town hall and other buildings, and the fire department budget, which included discussions on recruitment and expenses, were also on the agenda.