The meeting saw pointed questions from the public regarding the Public Safety Director’s salary, which some attendees claimed was higher than that of comparable positions in other New Jersey towns. A member of the public questioned why the Public Safety Director was reportedly compensated $100,000 more than peers in larger municipalities with higher crime rates. A council member responded by stating that the salary was not factually out of line with other towns, although specific comparisons were not disclosed. This contract, reportedly amounting to $217,500 per year for five years, was unanimously approved by voting council members, according to the discussion.

Further public comments criticized the employment agreement for the Public Safety Director, suggesting it conflicts with established legal standards and has led to additional costs for taxpayers, including legal fees. The absence of a permanent police chief for two years and the issues surrounding the police department’s headquarters location in a floodplain were also points of contention. Residents expressed frustration with the perceived lack of progress in addressing these issues and called for accountability and potential leadership changes.