The introduction of the 2024 Municipal budget revealed a challenging fiscal landscape for Saddle Brook Township. The average residential assessment has risen to $4625, leading to a municipal tax increase of $250. The budget is strained by uncontrollable appropriations, including solid waste and recycling contractual increases, state-mandated pension bills, contributions to the library, and hikes in salaries and debt service. Compounding these difficulties is the decrease in surplus from 6.6 million to 5.4 million dollars, previously leveraged to mitigate debt service.

These financial pressures sparked a discourse on the concept of surplus and its role in the township’s budgeting. The council detailed the constraints faced and the necessity of the tax increase, attributing it to the fixed and escalating costs beyond their control. Amidst the budget discussions, the floor opened to public comments, leading to a rigorous exchange of community feedback.

Residents expressed discontent with various municipal matters, including the handling of public spaces. The condition of a local park was criticized, with complaints about overgrown areas, trash, and the absence of a ranger to monitor the park—a service previously in place but now discontinued. The deterioration around the park’s lake, including dead trees and weeds, was highlighted as areas needing urgent attention.

Further criticisms were directed at the state of the football field, with one resident offering to invest personally in its maintenance to address concerns about potential flooding. Another individual, a candidate for the council, questioned the timing of the budget’s introduction and called for greater fiscal responsibility and cost-cutting, particularly concerning high employee salaries. Additionally, the cost of medical benefits for council members and the local school system’s performance relative to neighboring towns were brought into question.

Beyond the budget and maintenance issues, the council deliberated on a variety of ordinances and projects. They passed ordinances on stormwater management and the provision of handicap parking spaces. Discussions also touched on the 2024 Road Improvement program, and a bond ordinance was introduced to authorize the necessary funding. The accuracy of budget figures was a point of contention, with one council member raising concerns.

Attention was given to the success of community events, such as the police academy graduation, fishing derby, and Memorial Day Parade. There was also enthusiasm for upcoming events, including concerts, fireworks, and National Night Out. The council planned to honor a community member by renaming a field and proposed plans to live stream future meetings for greater accessibility.

In education, the importance of vocational options for students was underscored, emphasizing the need to provide diverse pathways beyond traditional college education. Additionally, the Right Connect program was discussed as an initiative to streamline transportation for seniors within Bergen County.