West Windsor CFO presents 2025 budget with no property tax increase, urges cap-bank ordinance

West Windsor Township Chief Financial Officer John Mueller told the council on March 5 that the mayor's proposed 2025 budget keeps the property tax rate unchanged while raising total appropriations for the year.

Mueller, the township CFO, said the budget is up 6.35% compared with 2024 and that "the mayor's proposed on a 0 tax increase for this year's 2025 budget." He said collections were strong in 2024 and recommended the council pass an "appropriation cap bank" ordinance so the township can set aside funds for emergencies.

Mueller said if the council approves the cap-bank ordinance the township could "bank around 762,000." He contrasted that with smaller carryover amounts in prior years, saying the appropriation cap constraints had left the township with only about $9,000 two years ago and $99,000 last year. He attributed the improved position partly to new construction and stronger revenue collections.

He also described schedule and process details: the administration expects to introduce the budget on April 7 and hold a public hearing on May 19. Because the county tax cycle historically delays bills, he said the township's tax bills commonly arrive later in the year.

Mueller told the council he will present additional budget detail at later meetings, including a reconciliation sheet that ties the state-format budget book to the formal municipal budget documents. He also said a temporary emergency resolution will be presented so the township can continue operations through March 24 while the budget process proceeds.

The council did not take a final vote on the budget or a cap ordinance at the March 5 session; Mueller said those items would be scheduled on upcoming agendas for introduction and action.