Tenafly Council Addresses Ambulance Response Times and Budget Concerns

Overview: The Tenafly Borough Council meeting held on May 7th, 2024, saw discussions on the adequacy of the town’s emergency response system after a resident, Anuk D, raised concerns about the delayed arrival of an ambulance during a personal emergency. The issue brought forth a debate among council members and residents, with suggestions including the implementation of a dedicated EMT crew and a postmortem analysis on response time discrepancies. In addition to emergency services, the council addressed financial matters, including the 2024 budget, with a 2.8% taxation increase, and debated public improvement initiatives such as the allocation of funds for the placement of 12 benches and the introduction of ordinances aimed at addressing flooding and other municipal concerns.

Lawrence School Board Tackles Budget and Middle School Expansion

Overview: The Lawrence (Mercer County) School Board meeting concentrated on discussions about the district’s budget and the proposed expansion of the middle school, along with recognizing various monthly observances and teacher appreciation initiatives. The School Board presented a detailed budget hearing, which not only outlined the district’s financial goals and operational plans but also emphasized transparency and the tax levy’s impact on residents. Furthermore, the board tackled the significant topic of expanding the middle school and high school campuses, addressing issues such as traffic, building design, and ADA accommodations.

Cocoa Beach Pension Board Grapples with Market Volatility and Asset Devaluation

Overview: The Cocoa Beach Pension Board recently convened to discuss several matters, notably the impact of Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts on real estate transactions and the devaluation of assets, the performance of equity markets affecting the fire and police funds, and the ongoing process of repapering contracts. The board also reviewed the quarterly reports provided by Anco, which highlighted a transition to Mariner and the positive performance of equity markets.

Haddon Heights Considers Senior Activities Commission

Overview: At the recent Haddon Heights Borough Council meeting, the proposal for the establishment of a commission or committee dedicated to seniors’ activities emerged as a primary point of interest. The proposition, put forth by a representative from Interfaith Caregivers, aims to create a structured body to oversee the development and coordination of programs for the senior population within the community. The debate regarding the best approach to formalize the oversight of these activities was at the forefront, with council members considering the differences in scope and authority between a commission and a committee.

Amherst Finance Committee Deliberates Budget and Capital Planning

Overview: In a review of Amherst’s financial health and future planning, the Finance Committee met to scrutinize the annual Auditor’s report and engage in a multifaceted discussion on the overall budget with a heightened focus on the capital budget. The audit, presented by Scott McIntyre from Markham, affirmed the town’s financial statements to be fairly presented and free of material weaknesses or deficiencies in the internal control structure. Deliberations spanned from the increase in net pension liability, pegged at approximately $16 million from the prior year, to comparisons with other communities on funding Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB), revealing a contribution deficiency of $1.5 million annually. Public comments amplified concerns over the Regional Schools’ budget, advocating for a 6% increase to avert staff reductions, and critiquing capital budget planning and allocations.