The Finance department’s report on budget reorganization was a key focus, revealing a reduction in the budget by 1.1% from salary and wages. This comes alongside efforts for succession planning and streamlining processes for purchasing and compliance, with particular oversight on the American Rescue Plan funds. The department’s initiative to increase AC direct withdrawal and provide training for other departments was noted, as well as detailed explanations for various budget adjustments. These include increases in the welcome committee budget, reductions in grants, and additional funds for composting and firefighter grants.

A significant portion of the meeting revolved around the handling of the municipality’s surplus, which has been on a downward trend over the past few years. The council expressed concerns about using over 50% of the surplus for this year’s budget. The implications of a 10% increase in salaries over the past year were also scrutinized, with an analysis of full-time equivalent (FTE) positions over the past decade highlighting the need for more automation and efficiency.

The council’s discussion of debt revealed that the municipality is currently carrying around $30 million, prompting a cautious approach to the use of bond anticipation notes. Revenue generation possibilities from unanticipated sources such as parking fees and cannabis taxes were also explored. This led to debates about the potential formation of a cannabis committee to oversee and tap into the revenue possibilities offered by cannabis taxes.

The terminal leave reserve, which was depleted due to numerous retirements last year, became a point of concern. The reserve had not seen contributions in 2022, and the council highlighted the importance of rebuilding it. The terminal leave, based on sick time, prompted considerations about its implications for employee benefits and the overall impact on taxes.

In the capital section of the discussions, the council debated the use of American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds and the associated tax increase. Other financial concerns included a decrease in the cable franchise fee, delinquent taxes, and the assessment valuation in light of new construction. The hotel tax revenue was noted to have decreased due to vacancies.

Particular attention was paid to the proposed allocation of funds for various vehicles and equipment. The purchase of a dump truck for $80,000 and a real Packer truck for $315,000 was questioned, with doubts about the necessity of both trucks and confusion regarding their specific uses. The necessity of four roll-off boxes for $40,000 and the substantial budget for sewer lateral inspection were also scrutinized. The council emphasized the importance of prioritizing road maintenance and the potential to eliminate some vehicles from the municipal fleet to save costs.

During the meeting, the fire department’s request for funds, including $80,000 for vehicle upgrades and $1 million for a new ladder truck, was discussed. The allocation of $70,000 for rescue equipment and $75,000 for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) was considered, alongside $285,000 for tasers and $25,000 for thermal imaging cameras. The decision to remove a utility vehicle for the police and reduce the outfitting cost to $25,000 was also deliberated.

The council addressed funding for downtown improvements, with an additional $25,000 allocated for alley enhancements and discussions on the need for a senior center site plan fee. There was a proposal to rename this to “borough site plan” and allocate $50,000 for it. The timing of introducing the capital plan and budget was considered, with the council deciding on any changes before the introduction. The meeting concluded with a motion to close the budget hearing.