At the 5/18 budget hearing, there was thorough and studious discussion over the Mental Health Association program that ensures our police, often with a trained mental health professional, are able to de-escalate situations when they arrive on scene. This program was initially funded via a grant. At that meeting, it was stressed that while this program is vital, it is also expensive (approximately $200k). In New Jersey, 2/3s of incidents related to police use of force are due to an interaction with someone either experiencing a substance related episode or a mental health crisis. This program, to me, is a must. It was stated that after exploring every grant opportunity, no funding was available. While I do not question the sincerity of their efforts, my gut told me there had to be another avenue to explore. 

Fortunately, my experiences working for our late Congressman Payne Jr. and as a staff member in the New Jersey Legislature, have given me the institutional knowledge to identify and navigate the unique intersectional crossovers regarding program funding and grants, which can certainly be a dizzying labyrinth for many. 

I identified a grant of $700,000 specifically designed to develop, implement, or expand de-escalation and crisis response training that improves law enforcement responses to, and outcomes for, individuals in crisis who have behavioral health conditions. That program deadline closes on May 27. I shared this information at yesterday’s budget hearing. As a result, I am pleased to confirm that our township grant writer is now in fact actively pursuing this opportunity. 

Additionally, there was a discussion of utility costs to operate our municipal buildings and departments. It is no secret that utility costs are up. As a member of the Environmental Commission, I attended the Sustainable NJ Annual Summit held last week in Holmdel. There are several programs that offer municipalities (or school districts) a FREE consultation to learn about weatherization and utility cost improvements that will help lower utility costs. As one example, Willingboro in Burlington County participated in this free consultation and implemented the recommendations of the NJ Clean Energy Local Government Energy Audit.

Doing so is now saving their township over $700,000 on utility costs each year. At yesterday’s budget meeting, I implored our council members to participate in this free consultation to at least listen to ways that our township can save on its utility costs, which ultimately is reflected in your tax bill. 

These are not small potential savings. Each tax point in this year’s budget represents approximately $995k. 

I offered a solution to our crossing guard shortage. 

I was also able to confirm a myth that I have long heard – there is, in fact, the sale of mulch and wood chips from the recycling center – and yes, we as a township do receive a portion of those sales.

I asked for an explanation as to why the 2025 budget reflects $656 spent on advertising for parks and playgrounds, but that this year, the budget asked for a whopping $10,000 allocation – A FIFTEEN TIMES INCREASE for the same expense. The council subsequently reduced it to $2,000. 

I raised another important question drawn from my observations having had the honor to serve on three of our amazing municipal commissions. There is inconsistency in how our commissions are budgeted and funded. Some commissions receive budget line items, others do not, and I have never seen a thorough accounting of commission spending. I have seen reimbursements though, often simply promised with no consultation from the council. The expectation – no matter how meritorious – cannot be “spend then ask for a promised reimbursement” with no financial oversight. 

On one commission, a great organization with a great program approached us with a sponsorship request. They wanted $500 for easels. I asked one question – Some purchases are consumable and some are items that can be stored- so what happened to $500 for the easels from the previous year? I did not receive a satisfactory answer, so I did not vote to approve that particular request. While $500 is seemingly insignificant in the grand scheme of the broader municipal budget, these are the fiduciary questions that we must ask, and all dollars be accounted for, no matter how small.

These public community budget workshops provide tremendous value. It is unfortunate that they are currently held at a time that many residents are unable to attend. Perhaps the schedule can be modified to allow for greater community participation so that residents are able to feel a part of our community and provide their valuable feedback, expertise, and suggestions that often provide new ways to solve our budgetary needs.