One notable issue addressed was the nearly 40% increase in Franklin’s liability insurance rates. Concerns were raised about the township’s arrangements with the Division of Insurance Pooling (DIP), which included a substantial $75,000 deductible. Comparisons were made with other municipalities like Clayton and Glassboro, highlighting that Franklin’s increase starkly contrasted with the more moderate changes observed elsewhere. One speaker emphasized the significance of the issue, labeling it a “very significant problem” for the township. This increase was attributed to the township’s risk exposure from ongoing legal cases, which heavily impacted the budget.

In addition to the insurance discussion, the council faced scrutiny over the township’s budget. A participant questioned the absence of changes to the budget since the last meeting, particularly focusing on contracts with Newfield and Yuna. The speaker argued these entities were not contributing adequately for essential services, especially concerning the police department’s needs. The issue was compounded by a recent major incident that had strained local resources. The participant was particularly vocal about the necessity for 25 new computers for police vehicles to meet modern information demands, expressing frustration over the lack of equitable financial support from neighboring towns.

Debate also centered on the township’s capital budget management. One participant, Marshall, questioned why the township needed to exceed its municipal capital despite claims that the budget was under control. The council attributed the financial strain to unforeseen issues, including a significant lawsuit that had depleted much of the surplus. Marshall further criticized the disparity in administrative salaries, pointing out that Franklin’s cost per household was higher than that of nearby Washington Township. This sparked a debate on the validity of such comparisons, with different opinions on whether the figures were directly comparable due to population sizes and budgetary structures.

The salary of exempt employees, particularly in the clerk and administrator’s positions, came under scrutiny. Questions were raised about whether these individuals were receiving compensation beyond their primary roles, with a call for transparency and a breakdown of office expenses.

In the realm of resolutions and ordinances, the council approved several measures, including Resolution 11125, which involved submitting a grant application to the New Jersey Department of Transportation for improvements on Williamstown Road. Resolution 11325, related to Dutch Mill Road phase 4 improvements, also received unanimous approval. Ordinance 1025, which allocated $2,928,500 for various capital improvements and authorized the issuance of bonds, was introduced, with a public hearing scheduled for August 12th, 2025.