07:22The meeting’s most issue was the adoption of the 2025 municipal budget, which was unanimously approved by the council. This budget approval followed a thorough presentation of the 2024 audit report by Borough Auditor Gary Higgins. The audit, conducted on a regulatory basis, highlighted a substantial financial surplus for the town, which had increased from $2.8 million to $3.5 million—a rise of $730,000, or 26%. Higgins attributed this growth to excess revenues, non-budgeted revenues, and lapsed appropriations. Notably, the surplus included approximately $930,000 from excess revenues, $340,000 from non-budgeted revenues, and nearly $600,000 from lapsed appropriations. These funds were earmarked to provide tax relief in the upcoming fiscal year.

05:59The audit also pointed out a recommendation regarding outstanding police billings, with 75% of those revenues having been collected despite some contractor payment delays. Higgins described this as a housekeeping issue rather than a significant deficiency. The council unanimously certified the annual report of the audit for the year ending December 31, 2024.

Following the audit discussion, the council proceeded with the public hearing and adoption of the 2025 municipal budget. This included two resolutions: one waiving the reading of the budget in full and another concerning the self-examination of the budget. The Mayor explained that the self-examination confirmed compliance with budget laws. The budget included an amendment with a tax rate adjustment from $1310 per $100 of assessed valuation to $97.1, which did not require additional advertisement. The Mayor commended the finance committee and staff for their efforts in reducing costs while maintaining essential services. The budget amendment received unanimous approval during a roll call vote.

14:07In addition to budgetary matters, the council introduced ordinances aimed at public improvements. Ordinance 1702-25, a capital ordinance, authorized various public improvements and acquisitions with $379,440 appropriated from the borough’s capital improvement fund. The council unanimously supported its introduction. Similarly, Ordinance 1703-25, a bond ordinance, aimed to authorize public improvements and equipment acquisition with a proposed appropriation of $3,122,190, to be financed through bonds and grants. This ordinance also received unanimous support from the council.

17:25During the meeting, reports included updates on the completion status of a pump station project, funded by a Bergen County CDBG grant, and an announcement that the Emerson clerk’s office would remain open late on May 20th for voter registration, as Bergen County sought poll workers for upcoming elections. Additionally, the personnel committee was set to review applications for internships.

The Mayor’s report thanked the Shade Tree Commission for organizing an Arbor Day ceremony and highlighted various upcoming community events, such as a barbecue for seniors, an annual carnival, a shredding day, and a golf outing hosted by Emerson’s PBA. The Mayor also announced the annual Memorial Day ceremony, the opening of a Bergen County Clerk satellite office for passport services, and an Emerson summer kickoff event planned for June 4th, with adjusted summer hours for borough hall offices. A notable highlight was the delivery of the borough’s old pumper truck to a Tennessee fire department that had lost equipment due to Hurricane Helen, an act appreciated by the receiving department.

24:30The meeting opened for public comment, although no residents chose to speak. The council then approved resolutions on the consent agenda and entered a closed executive session to discuss matters exempt from public disclosure. Upon reconvening, the council passed a resolution entering an agreement with the Police Benevolent Association.