One notable topics was the library’s budget. Residents voiced their worries about potential reductions in library services and hours, emphasizing the institution’s value as a community hub. In response to public comments, the council clarified its limited authority over library operations but acknowledged its historical financial support. The mayor explained the budgetary support provided to the library, which included a 2% salary increase and an 8% increase in health benefits. Despite these contributions, concerns were raised about a $26,000 overage and the possibility of reallocating funds from other budget areas to support the library. Suggestions were made to revise the outdated funding formula, which allocates only a third of a mill out of property taxes per $1,000 for the library.

Apart from library funding, the council addressed the proposed transition of the Shade Tree Commission to an advisory committee. The chair of the River Edge Commission, a licensed tree expert, highlighted the commission’s value and its involvement in drafting a stormwater ordinance. A volunteer from the Environmental Protection Commission questioned the rationale behind the change. The council’s attorney provided clarification on liability protection for volunteers, while a council member explained the intention to shift tree-related responsibilities to borough employees. This sparked a discussion on the effectiveness and necessity of the proposed transition.

The council also introduced three ordinances for first reading, which included setting employee salaries and wages for 2024, amending the trees ordinance, and establishing a budget cap and a Capital Bank for the calendar year 2024. The importance of complying with state statutes for these ordinances was a focal point, with the Chief Financial Officer providing explanations and confirming their routine nature. Additionally, the introduction of the 2024 Municipal budget and resolution 24-121 was presented as a statutory requirement, offering a 28-day public inspection period before a public hearing scheduled for May.

Further discussions on second readings of ordinances 24-7 and 24-8 concerned amending the fee ordinance and vehicles and traffic. The council scrutinized the ordinances’ purposes and implications, conducting a thorough debate to understand the specific changes proposed.

The resolutions segment saw the council approve several items, with detailed attention given to a resolution authorizing increases in deferred school taxes. The Chief Financial Officer offered an in-depth explanation of the accounting process and statutory requirements involved.

New business items included a request from the River Edge Fire Department for permission to conduct a 50/50 raffle to celebrate its 125th anniversary, which the council considered alongside a discussion on the significance of supporting their fundraising efforts. Also, a resident’s request for sidewalk construction on Willow Avenue was referred to the traffic and safety committee for evaluation, and the council deliberated on the implications of allowing lawn signs on borough property for youth recreation programs.

The meeting concluded with a debate on stormwater management and staffing responsibilities. The council discussed budgeting and reserves, emphasizing that unspent funds from the previous year could not be rolled over and that reserve funds were subject to strict conditions. The potential tax rate increase was another point of contention, with the council acknowledging the strict financial regulations in New Jersey and the conservative budget process in River Edge.