City Council introduces $280M budget with mandatory 2% tax increase for 2025

The Trenton City Council convened on May 6, 2025, to introduce the recommended budget for the upcoming calendar year. The meeting, led by the assistant business administrator Colin Cherry, outlined a budget totaling $280.3 million, which reflects a decrease of approximately $2.4 million from the previous year.

A key component of the budget is the assumption of $45 million in transitional aid and $10 million in capital city aid, both of which are critical for the city's financial planning. Cherry noted that the budget includes a mandated municipal tax rate increase of 2%, raising the rate from $3.67 to $3.70. This increase translates to an additional $35 per year for property owners with homes assessed at $100,000.

The council discussed the appropriations cap, which is exceeded by $21.3 million, necessitating a waiver from the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to proceed. This situation arises from previous budgetary challenges, including public safety expenditures and healthcare costs that had previously received exemptions.

Cherry emphasized that the tax increase is not a reflection of revenue needs but a requirement set by the DCA to access the transitional aid. Council members expressed concerns about the implications of this increase on homeowners and the necessity of having contingency plans should the anticipated aid not materialize.

The budget presentation will be made available on the city’s website for public access, allowing residents to review the detailed financial breakdown. The council is expected to continue discussions and adjustments as they await confirmation of the transitional aid, typically received in June or July.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the city's ongoing financial challenges and the steps being taken to secure necessary funding while addressing the impact on local taxpayers.