The Borough Council’s meeting was marked by discussions on the borough’s financial health and planning. A comprehensive presentation provided by Mr. Vos focused on the 2024 Municipal budget, detailing the fiscal strategies in response to current economic challenges. The 2024 appropriation levels for salaries and operating expenses will see an increase of 1.94% from the previous year. The budget maintains compliance with the state’s appropriation cap.

Mr. Vos highlighted Ramsey’s standing in Bergen County, noting that the borough’s Municipal tax rate is the 12th lowest among 70 towns. The budget presentation went further to outline the borough’s debt position, which remains low compared to other Northwest Bergen municipalities.

The budget resolution for the 2024 Municipal budget was a point of discussion and was approved unanimously by the council. The budget notably includes provisions for necessary capital infrastructure investments.

During the meeting, reports from various departments were presented, covering finance and administration, library services, recreation, public safety, building planning and zoning, and utilities, buildings, and grounds. These reports provided updates on ongoing projects and upcoming community events, such as the Emergency Services complex and efforts to address deer population management. The discussions included updates on the Planning Board, Shade Tree Commission, Board of Public Works, posos regulations, and the lead service line replacement project. The finance team was commended for their dedication, and the borough’s financial management and budget compliance received positive acknowledgment.

The council tackled updates on public and governmental relations, with discussions on community events including the lead-ins game, the Meet the Police drug take-back event, and pool commission membership rates for 2024. Public health, education, and social services were also on the agenda, with highlights such as the success of the Valentine’s Day dance, the upcoming Art Night event, and the implementation of a compost food scrap program. The scheduled Ramsey cleanup day was another topic of community interest.

Mr. Vos addressed several agenda items, including resolutions for the self-examination of the 2024 Municipal budget, an extension of the outdoor dining period, and a special emergency appropriation for property revaluation. Issues raised by residents received attention, with discussions on styrofoam recycling, the availability of meeting agendas and minutes, and the voting system. The council introduced two ordinances: one concerning municipal budget appropriation limits and the other authorizing a special emergency appropriation for property revaluation.

Public engagement was evident during the public comment section, where a resident, Mr. Bill Miller, expressed concerns about the borough’s transparency and communication, particularly regarding the new firehouse project and the posting of related documents online. The council assured Mr. Miller that his points would be addressed, stressing the importance of maintaining open lines of communication between residents and the governing body.