01:05The most notable agenda item was the presentation of the 2025 municipal budget by CFO John Barrett. He detailed the budget’s balanced nature, emphasizing that appropriations matched revenues. The budget includes a $469,000 increase in the tax levy, with key drivers being mandated pension costs and capital improvements. Notably, Barrett outlined that while the municipality could have maximized tax increases under the 2% levy cap, careful financial management allowed the council to meet its fiscal goals without doing so.

15:50Barrett provided an overview of changes in the municipality’s financial landscape. The net valuation taxable saw a $29 million increase year-over-year, which he described as a healthy development. He explained that the value of a penny raised in taxes had increased to $123,000 for the current year. Furthermore, the open space tax remained stable, projected to raise approximately $491,000. The capital improvement fund saw a significant rise in budgeted amounts, from $55,000 to $120,000. Barrett also mentioned the audit process, confirming that the budget complied with sound financial practices and would be sent to the state for certification. A public hearing is scheduled for June 24, with a preceding information session proposed to enhance transparency and community understanding of budget specifics.

16:40In the public comment section, residents expressed concerns about public engagement and township infrastructure. Guy Anderson, a resident, applauded the township’s efforts in engaging with the public but highlighted the lack of in-person participation at planning board meetings. He urged the council to address this issue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining robust public involvement in local governance. Anderson also brought attention to an abandoned house near a cemetery, covered in graffiti, urging the township to address the situation.

17:45Another resident, known as Gar, raised concerns about the absence of a report from Burlington County regarding the supervisor of roads, stressing its significance for county infrastructure spending. He pointed out a neglected bike lane behind his property, which had suffered from construction-related degradation. Gar suggested improved coordination between county and township contractors to prevent redundant work and proposed appointing a liaison to enhance communication on such issues. The council acknowledged these concerns, with a member addressing the need for a response regarding bike path maintenance, promising further investigation.

12:22The meeting also saw the introduction and unanimous approval of Ordinance 6-2025, establishing a CAP bank, and Ordinance 5-2025, which requires criminal history record background checks for adults involved in youth sports. Resolutions passed included approving voucher payments, settling a tax appeal with UHS of Hampton, Inc., introducing the 2025 municipal budget, and supporting solar renewable energy initiatives.