A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the detailed presentation of the 2025 budget by Mr. Peter Kus, who outlined the township’s financial strategy for the upcoming year. The budget was designed to maintain a stable tax rate of 652 cents. Revenue sources such as surplus, state aid, and local taxes, including a 2% tax on cannabis sales, were crucial elements in balancing the budget. The proposed budget also included new personnel additions in key areas such as the clerk’s office, dispatchers, and firefighters.

Emergency services received particular attention during the meeting. The Emergency Management Coordinator highlighted the challenges faced by the fire and emergency medical services (EMS) divisions, including staffing shortages and increased call volumes. The fire department, which responded to 1,334 calls in 2024, expects this number to exceed 1,400 in 2025. The consolidation of volunteer firefighters into a central location reportedly improved response times by 55 to 60% during a trial period. However, challenges remain, particularly in the EMS division, which handled 4,029 responses in 2024. Staffing issues persist due to health concerns among responders and a shortage of paramedics, many of whom work across multiple municipalities.

The budget discussion also encompassed the capital improvement needs for emergency services, with requests for $60,000 for personal protective equipment, $125,000 for SCBA equipment repair or replacement, and $100,000 for outdated fire service radios and pagers. A significant allocation of $150,000 was proposed for replacing a ladder truck and a pumper, with funds accumulated over several years. These investments are vital to maintaining operational efficiency and public safety standards.

Public health was another key focus of the meeting. The Health Officer, Mr. Keith Leine, presented the Health Department’s budget, which remained unchanged at $39,500. Leine highlighted the department’s reliance on grants, including a $168,400 grant from the New Jersey Department of Health, which supports local public health infrastructure. The Health Department also manages the Municipal Alliance Grant for substance use disorder initiatives, projected to increase in 2025. Leine emphasized the importance of the radon awareness program, urging residents to utilize free testing kits provided by the department.

The council also acknowledged the contributions of Mary C. Barrett, a dedicated member of the Health Advisory Board, who passed away in the past year. Her efforts in public health advocacy were recognized alongside those of community partners, such as John Moses from Rider University and James Denron from the Mercer County Lawrence Library, for their roles in mental health awareness and community engagement.

In the realm of construction and development, Construction Official James Dort reported a busy year in 2024, with approximately 2,800 applications received and 891 inspections conducted. The department faced challenges with state-level issues regarding contractors’ electronic seals but made strides in efficiency through an improved online application process. New projects were announced, including a Starbucks and a development behind the Lawrence Shopping Center involving townhouses and apartment buildings.

Public participation provided an opportunity for community members to voice concerns and express support. Jim Hooker from the Friends of Colonial Lake Park presented a fundraising calendar and praised the council’s efforts in preserving local green spaces. However, Nancy Albertson raised concerns about trespassing issues on township property by a local business, seeking council intervention.

The meeting also touched on sensitive topics such as immigration enforcement, with residents expressing concern over increased ICE activity. The council reassured the community that local police would not engage in ICE operations, focusing instead on public safety.

The meeting concluded with discussions on personnel matters and potential land acquisition, following a motion to enter a closed session. The council also reviewed and adopted minutes from previous meetings and considered ordinances related to municipal operations. The manager’s report underscored the municipality’s fiscal responsibility.