Borough Council approves tax refunds and new contracts for community services

The Sayreville Council convened on November 25, 2024, to address several key agenda items, including financial authorizations, contract awards, and personnel promotions.

The meeting commenced with the authorization for the tax collector to refund taxes for the years 2022, 2023, and 2024, totaling $7,696.69, due to a tax exemption for a disabled veteran at 161 Madison Street. No objections were raised.

Next, the council approved a contract with Lou Environmental Services LLC for dust wipe sampling and lead paint inspections, fulfilling the borough's obligations. This was followed by a request from the SWMHS Band Parents Association for a coin toss event in December, which also faced no objections.

The council then authorized the purchase of ballistic carrier vests through a cooperative purchasing agreement, with a maximum expenditure of $153,725. Following this, a resolution to rescind a previous purchase of firearm holsters due to vendor non-response was approved, along with awarding contracts to Lawmen Supply Company and Whitmere's Public Safety Group for the holsters and sites, respectively.

An application for a Toys for Tots charity car show by Wayne's Auto Body was approved for December 8, 2024. The council also authorized the purchase of a John Deere backhoe for $162,268.70 and awarded a contract for guardrails at DuHernell to American Timber and Seal for $23,778.90.

Additionally, the council approved the purchase of two 2025 Ford Rangers for $82,937. The business administrator then proposed several personnel promotions, including Elizabeth Curis to Technical Assistant in the construction office and Corey Ransom to Water Repairer 1 in the Water and Sewer Department, both effective December 1, 2024.

However, a promotion for Zacharias Slickton in the administration department was met with hesitation from a council member, who requested to delay the decision until resident concerns were addressed. A roll call vote was conducted, confirming the promotions for Curis and Ransom, while the decision on Slickton's promotion was postponed for further discussion.

The meeting concluded with a structured approach to addressing each agenda item, ensuring all topics were covered efficiently. The council's next steps will involve further discussions regarding the pending promotion and continued oversight of the approved contracts and purchases.