Chief Robert Schlosberg of the River Edge Fire Department requested an increase in salary for a long-serving employee, leading to a debate among council members. The proposal was approved, recognizing the employee’s dedication and service to the town. The fire department’s budget was reviewed, with particular focus on operational needs and the request for a salary increase. The Chief’s proposal to lower the budget for turnout gear due to a successful grant application, and to eliminate the budget for base stations, was discussed at length. The capital budget prioritized future replacements for the ladder truck, command vehicle, and utility vehicle. The capital budget for the fire department was addressed with care, considering the necessity of maintaining essential services while managing a heavy capital budget of $2.8 million.

The police department’s budget also garnered attention, with the Chief of Police outlining the need for new patrol vehicles and ballistic vests. The council deliberated on the allocation of funds for these items and the potential sale or trade-in of the current Tahoe vehicle. The finance chair suggested that the patrol vehicle replacement might be fully covered by outside trust funds. Additionally, a motion to reduce the overall debt authorization by $50,000 for the communication center update was approved after some debate.

Facilities improvements were another topic of interest, as the Recreation Director presented projects for KGB Field and Memorial Park. A recommendation was made to delay the KGB Field project by a year to apply for a grant, resulting in a $162,000 reduction in debt authorization. The council also considered funding sources for the Memorial Park project and the impact of zeroing out the KGB Field project.

The council discussed the need for replacing DPW vehicles and equipment, focusing on a dual axle Packer for recycling and leaf collection. The replacement cost was set at $365,000, addressing rust and maintenance issues. The meeting also involved discussions on the replacement of industrial lawnmowers and leaf blowers and negotiations with PSNG for street paving. The council emphasized the need for prioritizing road repairs based on condition and compliance with ADA requirements. Proposals for sewer improvements and storm drain line replacements suggested an increase from $100,000 to $190,000, with some debate about the necessity of the full amount. The council also considered emergency repair programs for buildings, including HVAC units and windows, and the construction of a new salt shed to comply with state requirements.

The Citizen Budget Committee discussed the impact of officer retirements on the police department budget, noting increased overtime costs balanced by savings on salaries and benefits. The retirement of two officers led to overtime increases, as well as higher sick time due to COVID-19 issues. The committee expressed a desire to focus on reducing overtime in the future. A new line item for a wellness program aimed at addressing the mental health needs of police officers, dispatchers, and civilians was introduced.

The library board’s statement about overspending on salaries and the need to remain competitive in the labor market prompted a response from the council. The council explained that the library has consistently received funding above the statutory requirement and that unspent funds do not roll over to the next year’s budget. The council discussed the library’s budget, focusing on the 2% salary increase and the 8% increase in health benefits and their impact on the budget.