Hillsborough approves drone purchase funded by grant and donations amid debate over emergency appropriations and claims list

At the Feb. 24 meeting the Hillsborough Township Committee approved a resolution to purchase two police drones and accessory equipment for $24,999.91 under the Bergen County Cooperative Contract. Officials said the purchase was funded with a $5,000 grant and $20,000 in donations routed through the PBA; the purchase was reported as fully funded with no township outlay.

Committee members praised the purchase as a public-safety tool — particularly for searches and difficult terrain — while residents and others pressed for transparency about the donor and funding source. Officials said the donation was anonymous and processed through the police association.

Separately the meeting featured an extended exchange about emergency temporary appropriations and the claims list. Committee members and the mayor described the routine early-year practice of passing temporary appropriations and occasional emergency amendments pending a final annual budget. A figure of about $5,389,987 was cited for additional appropriations covering pension payments (PERS and PFRS) and storm-related expenses. Some members warned the CFO should be present to confirm which line items have sufficient funds and Deputy Mayor Leani noted a two-thirds vote could be required for parts of the action, potentially affecting the CFO's ability to pay some bills.

The committee approved the claims list (cited total $562,210) by roll call but asked the administrator to work with the CFO and to call a special meeting if specific mandatory payments could not be covered.

What to watch: Officials said drone operators are FAA-certified and the department will implement the equipment for search-and-rescue and scene assessment. The finance debate prompted committee direction to circulate more detailed line-item verification before a future claims vote if the CFO cannot attend.