A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the sewer system expansion, which has been a long-standing issue for Vernon. Historical context revealed that past attempts, including a large development proposal by Mountain Creek in 2011, left the township with unused paid capacity due to the development not materializing. This has resulted in higher rates for ratepayers. The current strategy involves addressing this surplus capacity through a broader county plan, identifying potential areas for new connections to maximize return on investment. Six initial areas were identified for potential expansion, with discussions emphasizing the necessity of strategically selecting locations that could secure permits from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Funding for the project includes approximately $4 million, with 20% from Vernon and 80% from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The council highlighted the importance of ensuring investments are made in areas likely to yield significant returns, considering both financial and regulatory factors. Specific areas, such as those near Dunkin’ Donuts and Taco Bell, were discussed for their potential connections, though concerns were raised about the feasibility of property owners being able to afford connection costs, estimated around $200,000 for some commercial properties.

The council also reviewed the 2025 annual audit, which presented a detailed overview of the township’s financial standing. The audit revealed total assets of approximately $30.9 million, with concerns raised over $1.79 million in delinquent property taxes and $9 million in foreclosure properties. The auditor suggested reviewing tax liens and foreclosed properties to enhance revenue. The township’s fund balance decreased by $753,000 from the previous year, attributed to a shortfall in regenerating the fund balance as anticipated. Recommendations for improving oversight within departments and reconciling tax title lien receivables were made to address these issues.

Additionally, the Municipal Utility Authority (MUA) presented their sewer utility budget, reporting steady growth despite broader inflationary pressures. The MUA’s financial position improved by over $311,000 compared to the previous year, which allowed for minimizing rate hikes for consumers. Expansion plans received county approval and are pending DEP review. The MUA articulated that strategic growth would enable them to meet long-term infrastructure and financial obligations while stabilizing rates.

Water infrastructure improvements were another topic, with the council discussing the township’s ongoing projects and agreements with Violia. A notable concern was the issuance of “will serve letters” for water services, which assure developers of water availability but expire after one year, raising questions about meeting collective water needs. The project includes a $3 million agreement with Violia to extend water service to the town center and drill a third well to maximize water allocation. The council emphasized the need for a representative with a deep understanding of water issues to guide decisions on water allocation.

The meeting also covered financial discussions related to grant money and the budget, with specific focus on a MAC grant reduced due to COVID-19 impacts and a Sussex County contribution for emergency services. The introduction of Ordinance 2612, establishing salaries for certain officers and employees, sparked debate over budgetary feasibility. A separate ordinance, 2613, authorized the sale of land through public auction, introduced without debate.