The council addressed the financial intricacies of the budget, noting the rise in expenditures such as the RVSA bill, healthcare costs, and debt service. The importance of fiscal responsibility and transparency was emphasized during the meeting, with discussions centering on balancing discretionary and non-discretionary spending. The allocation of funds to various departments and organizations was a focal point, with the EMS department being allocated $99,000 for its services and discussions about the necessity and effectiveness of the senior citizen recreation program at the Knights of Columbus facility.

A critical debate unfolded over the staffing of the DPW. The department faced challenges with workers on leave due to accidental injuries, which led to a decrease in full-time workers. The council contemplated hiring additional seasonal workers to fill the staffing void, contrasting with the decision not to hire a full-time worker amidst ongoing negotiations with the teamsters’ contract. Concerns were raised that hiring at this time could result in significant costs over the coming years for the taxpayer, as new hires would be grandfathered into the current contract. The DPW was advised to prioritize essential services such as garbage pickup and to delay non-immediate or non-emergency work until more workers could be hired. This decision sparked a heated exchange among council members, with some opposing the move and others questioning past recommendations regarding full-time employment at the DPW.

Furthermore, the dialogue at the meeting extended to comparisons between the DPW and the police department regarding how each handles staffing shortages. Some council members voiced their frustration over the lack of clear communication and information from DPW officials about their staffing and operational needs, leading to disagreements on the urgency of hiring full-time employees.

The meeting also touched on the dangers facing the youth in the community, emphasizing the role of mental health and the importance of a recreation program in combating psychological disorders. The effectiveness and necessity of the current paid recreation director were questioned, with some advocating for reinstating full-time positions in the DPW instead. Funding for the Garwood First Aid Squad and the need for more police officers to combat rising crime rates were also discussed, alongside detailed financial queries from residents related to the town’s budget and allocations.

Residents voiced their concerns during the public comments section, raising questions about the job descriptions of town employees, the percentage of children involved in the rec committee’s activities, and the significant increase in workers’ compensation insurance premiums. Traffic issues, the decision to eliminate two full-time workers from the DPW, and the accuracy of budget figures were among the topics that residents wanted the council to address.

Financial matters such as the emergency bond payment, the reserve for uncollected taxes, and the generation of Surplus were also on the agenda. The emergency bond is on track to be paid off by 2026, and discussions about the reserve for uncollected taxes clarified that it is governed by a state-set formula and cannot be reallocated. The council considered the cap bank ordinance, which could impact the budget by allowing an increase in spending limitations, and discussed the self-examination review of the budget, certifying the council’s ability to review and adopt the budget without awaiting state review.