This noteworthy decrease was highlighted as a proud achievement by the mayor.

Concurrently, the council considered amendments to water and sewer ordinances through pending ordinances number 24-930 and 24-931. These amendments are poised to update the language in the existing ordinances, eliminate inconsistencies, and revise fee structures for water and sewer service billing. The proposed changes include an increase in water rates to $5.87 per 1,000 gallons with a minimum charge of $29.30, and the establishment of a flat rate for sewer services at $5.50 per 1,000 gallons with a minimum charge of $90.75. These measures are intended to rectify deficits in the utilities and align with guidelines set forth by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

In a related matter, the town manager discussed the removal of certain items from the utilities in an effort to improve operational strength and projected that these changes would eliminate the existing deficits, assuming stable consumption rates and prices.

Furthermore, the council put forth a detailed 2024 Municipal budget, which presented a complex financial picture highlighting increased costs in several areas, including group medical coverage, insurance, police salaries, and operating expenses. The budget, comprising of fund balance, tax levy, and other revenue sources, necessitated a modest increase in the average residential assessment. The council also discussed cost-saving strategies, such as bank account consolidation and debt restructuring, which have already yielded significant savings. Collaboration with Public Service Electric and Gas Company (PSE&G) was mentioned, with the township agreeing to pave roads at no cost to PSE&G in exchange for the company performing gas main work on other streets at no expense to the township.

The council debated the sale of municipal property that was no longer in use, including a 2012 Ford F350 Mason dump truck, a 1997 GMC truck, and a 2001 wood chipper. Additionally, there was the decision to donate a 2003 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck to the volunteer fire department, supporting their training with extrication tools and procedures.

The council’s agenda also included the approval of bill payments and a public comment section. Residents took this opportunity to voice their concerns regarding halted construction behind a residential area and the utilization of a building for fencing classes, which drew attention due to the arrival of a large group of children with luggage.

Finally, the council addressed a resolution concerning compliance with federal Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines regarding the consideration of arrest and conviction records in employment decisions, as well as the introduction of pending bond ordinances for various improvements across general, water, and sewer utilities.