During the session, the council addressed the proposed 11% tax increase which sparked concern among members and the public. One council member criticized the increase, questioning the justifications provided by the administration and the lack of proposed budget cuts. Another council member described the tax hike as an “assault on Phillipsburg residents” and a third expressed concerns about the significant increase in state health benefits and the impact of statutory increases on the budget. This led to a broader debate on the allocation of funds, the necessity of the tax increase, and the priorities of the town’s spending.

The proposal to conduct a study on rent control was also a point of contention. The cost and need for such a study were questioned, with concerns about lack of transparency and potential bias. Despite these concerns, another perspective highlighted the expertise of the financial analyst involved and the comprehensive approach of the study, emphasizing its potential to analyze different rent control scenarios for Phillipsburg.

Residents and landlords voiced their opinions, with some advocating for rent control as a measure to curb rising rental costs, while others warned of the negative consequences it may have on the town’s growth and development. A real estate broker emphasized the high costs involved in renovating properties and the landlords’ right to increase rents to match their investments. In contrast, a resident criticized the living conditions in rent-controlled buildings and called for better tenant protections.

A resident’s concern over the increased property taxes post-renovation brought to light questions about the effectiveness of tax utilization. The council also faced criticism for allegedly deviating from the 2013 master plan reexamination report in the rezoning of a property, which was challenged with 174 signed letters from residents who felt there was a breach of trust.

The meeting also covered the allocation of funds for town projects and positions, including the need for additional police officers, infrastructure maintenance, and the creation of a pocket park for toddlers. The mayor defended the budget increases by emphasizing the necessity of these allocations for public safety and infrastructure.

Apart from budget and rent control debates, the council addressed public petitions, open public records requests, and the navigability of the town’s website. One resident’s frustration with the handling of an open public records request led to a council member suggesting that the requested information might be accessible through budget documents, thereby assisting the resident.

The council went into an executive session to discuss contractual matters, and throughout the meeting, members and residents extended condolences over the passing of Reverend Bill Slack, with mentions of community events such as the Warren County NAACP annual scholarship Gala and an upcoming event at the Sand Bar.