A major highlight of the meeting was the celebration of the Hillsboro Raider marching band’s recent accomplishments. The band was honored for becoming the 2024 New Jersey Group Open State Champions, achieving a score of 96.4. Additional awards for best music, best visual, best overall effect, best percussion, and best color guard further underscored their achievements. The Mayor expressed pride in the band, inviting members and coaches to the front for a presentation. Ellery Lambert Smith, a band member, addressed the audience, reflecting on the band’s growth and unity throughout the season.

The Scarecrow Festival was another focal point of the meeting, as the Mayor presented awards to participants, recognizing the creativity and effort of local residents and businesses. The festival saw increased participation and voting compared to previous years. Notable winners included the Hillsboro Rockets, the New Center Dairy 4H Club, and the Hillsboro High School Autism Program. The event was commended for fostering community spirit and engagement.

A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to addressing a discrepancy in the budget transfer amounts, highlighting transparency concerns. A question arose regarding item number seven on the consent agenda, which involved budget transfers. The columns of figures did not match, leading to a brief pause for clarification. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) was consulted over the phone and confirmed a typo in the figures, which was subsequently corrected.

The council also discussed the potential expansion of the finance department and the pursuit of shared services with neighboring municipalities. The goal is to grow the department without overburdening current employees, while enhancing Hillsborough’s revenue through collaborative efforts. Interest from other towns in Hillsborough’s shared services was noted, with the township’s reputation for excellence driving demand.

In addition to financial matters, the council addressed community health initiatives and events. An update was provided on the upcoming public hearing by the Department of Environmental Protection regarding the region’s water supply challenges. November was noted as Lung Cancer Awareness Month, with emphasis on early detection and the risks associated with smoking and vaping. A successful Pumpkin Smash event at Abma’s Farm was reported, along with upcoming community events such as a pajama drive and tree lighting ceremony.

Council members also encouraged support for local businesses, highlighting recent ribbon-cutting ceremonies for new establishments. The Hillsboro Business Association’s annual awards dinner celebrated businesses that have contributed to the community, with the Mayor acknowledging the importance of supporting local enterprises.

Furthermore, the council discussed ongoing projects and updates from various departments. The Building Department introduced an online permit application process, while the Engineering Department reported on fiber optic cable installations to enhance internet access. Public Works is improving drainage systems, and the sustainability initiative encouraged ecological benefits through mulching.