Chief Financial Officer Richard Garts presented a detailed budget overview, revealing that the proposed budget set for introduction at the next meeting anticipates an average increase of $144 per homeowner, roughly $12 per month. This adjustment comes amid a substantial $1.2 million revenue shortfall. The shortfall primarily stems from the loss of $860,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, a $263,000 decrease in state aid, and a $94,000 reduction in the Township’s surplus allocation. Garts emphasized that these financial cuts were made without prior notification to the municipality, leading to frustration among council members over the lack of communication and local consultation.

Despite the financial strain, Garts stressed the importance of maintaining essential services. The shortfall was partially offset by new revenue from hotel fees, projected to bring in $75,000 this year, although recent earnings have fallen short of earlier projections.

Cost increases within the budget were another focus, with salary rises totaling $1.54 million due to contractual obligations and insurance costs increasing by 5% for liability and 12% for workers’ compensation. Garts reported ongoing discussions with the Joint Insurance Fund (GIF) to address the high costs of workers’ compensation. Despite these challenges, the overall budget increase was limited to $1.86 million, with the year’s surplus increasing by $1.7 million, allowing for an additional $1 million to be included in the balanced budget.

Council members engaged in a thorough discussion about specific budget items, seeking clarity on variations in funding for school security personnel and equipment maintenance. Garts explained that some school security funding fell under the police budget and emphasized the need for sustainable spending regarding vehicle maintenance costs.

The meeting also explored potential changes to municipal operations, particularly garbage collection. One member suggested exploring privatization options for garbage pickup, given the rising maintenance costs of municipal vehicles. While expressing a preference for in-house operations, the member acknowledged the need for cost-effectiveness and mentioned successful collaborations with county services, such as EMS. A similar openness was expressed toward potentially transitioning dispatch services to county systems, highlighting a willingness to explore controversial topics like privatization to achieve budget savings.

In addition to fiscal matters, the council addressed cultural and community engagement issues. A proposal from Congregation M and David to fly the Israeli flag in honor of Israel Independence Day sparked a conversation about managing communal celebrations within the town’s diverse population. The request raised questions about setting precedents and the importance of transparency and fairness in handling such requests. Members discussed the complexities of ensuring proper notification and communication with other local synagogues.

Another topic of discussion involved a potential new Communications position within the municipality. Although this topic has been recurrent, the current budget constraints prevent the creation of new hires, with priority given to police department needs. Anticipated retirements within the police force presented a possibility for salary savings, termed “breakage,” allowing for potential new hires at lower salaries. However, budget constraints made immediate action impractical.

The council also tackled operational losses, such as the municipal pool’s annual deficit of over $100,000. Suggestions to lease out the snack bar and host camps were considered to improve the pool’s financial situation, although concerns were raised about its declining popularity due to proximity to the beach. The potential need for over a million dollars in repairs and maintenance prompted discussions about the pool’s future viability.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion within the local government were also addressed, with members noting that these issues had taken a backseat. The council expressed a need for representation for all community members and considered adopting inclusive practices already in place in neighboring towns.

Finally, the W. Massa Fire Department’s expansion plans led to a debate about whether the department should undergo the standard zoning planning board process. While some members argued for exemptions based on past precedents, there was a consensus on maintaining oversight and adhering to established processes to ensure fairness. The council discussed the potential financial burden the process imposes on the department and the importance of balancing oversight with financial implications.