02:29The library’s budget emerged as the primary focus of public concern during the meeting. Darra Okconor, the library director for over two decades, presented to the council, expressing frustration over the library’s unchanged budget allocation from 2008 to 2024. Okconor distributed a report underscoring the financial stagnation and questioned the feasibility of maintaining a public service with a budget unchanged for such a long period. She stated, “Can you think of another service, public service, a mutable service that cost the same in 2024 as in 2008?” This highlighted the library’s struggle to expand service hours and maintain its operational budget, which was exacerbated the previous year.

21:28Despite acknowledging a budget increase of approximately $28,315 compared to the previous year, council members recognized the challenges in balancing fiscal constraints with community service needs. Acknowledging the tight budget season, a council member noted the difficulty in decision-making to keep taxes stable while attempting to provide the library with the best possible budget under the circumstances.

08:16Further amplifying these concerns, Rosemary Garcia, head of youth services at the library, expressed her disappointment with the fiscal year 2025 budget allocation. Although the budget increase was acknowledged, Garcia felt it was insufficient to meet the needs of River Edge residents. She detailed the impact of prior cuts, which had led to reduced operating hours and the elimination of programs such as English as a Second Language. Garcia praised the library staff’s dedication, who had taken on additional responsibilities to sustain service levels under challenging conditions.

10:33Community advocate Janet Boyd also addressed the council, emphasizing the negative impact of funding cuts on the library’s functionality. Boyd criticized the state minimum funding levels as inadequate to sustain a functional library, pointing out the reliance on interlibrary loans due to the lack of new materials. Nancy Kennedy, a library employee, also contributed to the discussion by expressing concern about the library’s limited offerings, especially given the area’s high property values. She questioned whether new residents would be satisfied with such limited library services, stating, “What do we get? We get streets plowed and we really don’t have much else that we offer to the community.”

04:58The council’s discussion on the library’s budget underscored the complex interplay between community needs and fiscal realities. While the council expressed understanding of the library’s challenges, they also highlighted the necessity of balancing the budget amid tight financial constraints. The public comments concluded, allowing the meeting to proceed to other agenda items.

18:12The meeting also involved the introduction and discussion of several ordinances. Ordinance 25-08 aimed to amend Chapter 206 of the revised general ordinances concerning fees, updating various fees associated with the building department. Ordinance 25-09 addressed the municipal budget appropriation limits. The council also introduced bond ordinances to fund improvements for Bogurt Road Section 9 and to authorize various public improvements and equipment acquisitions, including a new fire truck.

Chief Financial Officer Chris Bataglia provided context for the proposed municipal budget for 2025, noting a tax increase of 4% to address debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenses. He emphasized that the municipal tax portion was being kept as low as possible despite the overall increase. Bataglia also highlighted that new net valuation numbers would result in a lower tax rate, although overall taxes might not decrease proportionately due to increased residential assessments.

30:34In addition to budgetary matters, the council considered resolutions related to the community development block grant program, which required endorsement but not financial obligation from the borough. A question arose regarding the resolution’s language on cleaning services, leading to a decision to amend it for clarity regarding the annual cost of $47,000.

36:50The meeting transitioned to the approval of expenditures and new business discussions, including a request for permission for the Bergen County Cooperative to serve alcohol at a library event. The council approved the request, citing the event’s past success. An update was also provided on PSCG’s phase two of the high-pressure gas main program set to commence in April.