The budget presented was a focal point, revealing a modest increase of $1,977 in state aid, which prompted questions from the council about the changes. A significant infusion of $76,000 from the Mercer County ARPA funds Grant was earmarked for the senior center. The council also discussed a decrease in amatory services third-party billings by $10,000 and the need to adjust the total amount to be raised accordingly. The Chief Financial Officer reported an anticipated increase of $1 million in the fund balance due to strong revenues, while the appropriation cap was detailed, explaining the limitations and exceptions, and the impact of growth on expenses. The possibility of placing garbage and recycling General Needs Assessment (GNA) outside the appropriation cap was also discussed.

The council acknowledged the positive impact of negotiating and requesting proposals from banks, which has led to increased revenues due to higher interest rates and a better-negotiated rate from a bank. Additionally, the fluctuating nature of sewer connection fees, which help offset the capital improvement of the sewer system, was noted. The council also recognized the increase in hotel occupancy tax revenue, which has surpassed pre-pandemic levels, and anticipated further increases due to new hotels coming into the area.

The discussion on the budget extended to the complexities of the cap calculation and the need for better communication with residents about budgetary constraints and exemptions. The impact of grants on the budget was also highlighted, with a consensus on the need to simplify the explanation of budgetary limits and exemptions for public understanding.

The council expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the municipal relief fund aid and the energy receipts tax program. Furthermore, the need for a detailed explanation of the parking authority’s amended agreement and the impact of shared services between the towns on the overall budget were debated.

The budget review process was thoroughly discussed, including the certification by the state and the upcoming review by the Division of Local Government at the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The council touched on the introduction and amendment processes for the budget, as well as the potential need for estimated bills. The timing of the county’s budget introduction and its impact on the town’s budget process was also discussed. The council addressed the capital budget timeline and the requirement for the budget to be approved before proceeding with the capital improvement fund. The 5% down payment requirement for the bond ordinance and the process for obtaining an exemption from the local Finance board were also explained.

Non-budget related matters were not left out of the discussion. Updates were requested on various issues including the status of the sprinkler system at the West Windsor Volunteer Fire Company, street tree removal and replacement, grants approval status, bike lane Capital Improvement fund, road improvements list, crosswalk beacons, and pedestrian safety improvements included in capital projects. The council agreed to follow up with the township engineer and the department of Community Development to gather the requested information.

A prominent topic of public safety emerged during discussions about allocating funds for roadway improvements, crosswalk improvements, bike lanes, and curbing. The council discussed the status of the allocated $20,000 for a special project last year that aimed to identify areas in need of crosswalks and pedestrian improvements beyond regular road improvement projects. The police chief mentioned that the traffic sergeant, along with the engineering staff, was working on reviewing areas that require improvements.

The allocation of funds for pedestrian and bicycle improvements came under debate, with a shift of $50,000 from the sidewalk extension program to the crosswalk improvement program. The council also discussed increasing the budget for AEDs in municipal buildings and public spaces. A representative from the West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance thanked the council for increasing the sidewalk improvement program’s budget and emphasized the need for pedestrian-activated lights at specific intersections.