An issue at the meeting was the proposed increase in senior membership fees for the township pool. The council members had conflicting views, with some raising concerns about the impact on seniors on fixed incomes. Despite the debate and the call for a strategic financial plan for the pool, the motion to raise the senior membership fee to $185 was passed, albeit with some members expressing reservations.

The fire department’s budget was another focal point, where they presented the need to replace hoses dated before 1990, as nearly 40% were due to be pulled from service. Furthermore, the department requested new extrication tools and a software program to enhance record-keeping and operations, along with discussions about the necessity of a new fire truck.

The construction code department reported a significant uptick in revenue from construction permits, largely attributed to the Drona Flats project. The department also supported the town’s sustainability efforts, noting the increased adoption of solar panels and electric car charging stations. An emphasis on digitizing records was made to cut down on file management costs.

In the realm of urban forestry, the Shay Tree department proposed a substantial five-year budget plan, allocating $775,000 per year to maintain the aging town canopy. The plan included a windshield survey to identify potential hazards and the importance of a Community Forestry Management Plan to effectively manage tree locations. The possibility of obtaining grants and reaching out to a 501c3 organization for funding was also discussed.

The Verona Rescue Squad’s budget was examined, touching on delays in receiving an ambulance due to production lead times and the necessity of a special operations vehicle. Similarly, the library budget saw an increase in salaries and expenses, with staff updates on their activities and justifications for the budget changes. Library circulation and program attendance have increased, necessitating further investment.

On the administrative front, the council reviewed the clerk’s budget, which involved separating expenses and reallocating operating costs to the administration budget. The council also assessed the assessor’s budget, anticipating a revaluation in the coming years, and the finance department’s budget, noting cost savings from shifting the court to a shared service arrangement.

The meeting further included discussions on civic affairs and the budget for senior citizens, highlighting a decrease in recreation operating expenses and an increase in senior expenses. The council debated detailed financial reporting for programs and considered cost efficiencies.

Public comments featured a mix of satisfaction with local services, such as the mobile Department of Motor Vehicles, and concerns over the allocation of funds for the pool. Questions were raised about the status of the development agreement for the Spectrproperty and comparisons of Verona’s costs with those of other towns.

The council also considered various ordinances and resolutions, including amendments related to pool fees for Volunteer Fire Rescue Squad members, compensation for township officers and employees, and the term length for the chair of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee. A draft agreement for parking spaces in municipal parking lots was reviewed, and the council expressed appreciation for services provided to veterans.