Egg Harbor Township committee introduces $52.8 million 2025 municipal budget

The Egg Harbor Township Committee on the evening the committee met introduced the 2025 municipal budget, a $52,826,120 plan that officials said reflects rising service costs and continued investment in local infrastructure.

Township representative read the budget message into the record, saying the total is $52,826,120, an increase of $2,608,704 over last year. The message noted the end of American Rescue Plan Act funding that had provided $1,247,142 the prior year and said the township remains under the state spending cap, about $950,391.89 below the tax levy cap.

The budget message broke down several department cost increases. Group insurance was listed up $533,610; landfill costs up $150,000; Social Security and unemployment up $93,300; and salaries and wages across police, EMS and public works up $856,638. The police increase alone was described as $280,204, attributed primarily to contractual raises; the township reported 65,638 police calls for service in 2024. EMS costs were listed up $200,037; the committee said EHT EMS responded to 8,950 calls in 2024 with 6,331 transports.

Public works increases were listed at $376,397, including funding for a new clerk, two new drivers and a mechanic (totaling $177,916) and additional overtime tied to recent snowstorms. The presenter said 76% of the budget supports public safety, insurance and pension, and that public works comprises about 16% of expenditures. The message also noted shared-service arrangements and said the township maintains a AA bond rating.

On a motion to introduce the budget (resolution 179), the committee adopted the introduction by roll call. The presenter and committee members thanked department heads and CFO Sharon Riley for their work preparing the plans.

The committee will hold further hearings and votes before final adoption; the message as read provided the financial overview and scheduled next steps.