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Northfield mayor cites stable finances despite 2025 tax increase, outlines 2026 objectives
Summary
Mayor Chau told the City Council that 2025 required tough budget choices that produced a 6‑cent local purpose tax increase but left the city with a Double A Minus bond rating, a 98.93% tax collection rate and a $5.5 million rise in assessed valuation; he listed grant-funded projects and set 2026 goals for parks, sewer work and a new municipal website.
Mayor Chau, Northfield’s mayor, told the City Council on Jan. 6 that the city managed a difficult 2025 budget cycle that resulted in a 6‑cent increase in the local purpose tax but left the municipality in a stable financial position.
"Be assured, as your elected officials, we continued to work diligently to minimize the impact to you, as taxpayers," Mayor Chau said, adding that the city maintains a Double A Minus bond rating and a tax collection rate of 98.93%.
The mayor said total assessed valuation rose by $5.5 million to $885.5 million in 2025 and that real estate values remain strong. He also reported modest commercial growth, noting eight new business locations opened in 2025 and that Building Department revenue rose about 1% over 2024.
Why it matters: the figures Mayor Chau cited are the council’s principal fiscal guideposts for 2026 budgeting and projects. Higher assessed value and a strong collection rate help the city manage service levels even where property tax rates rise.
Supporting details: Mayor Chau listed several grant‑funded accomplishments in 2025, including $377,000 secured for roadway improvements, public safety, recreation, recycling and community education. The city completed paving of Wabash Avenue and portions of Ridgewood Drive, upgraded the Zion Road sanitary sewer pump station, and completed ADA improvements and seating upgrades at the Birch Grove Park bandstand.
The mayor also described community programming and partnerships: police outreach events (Coffee with a Cop, e‑bike safety seminar, National Night Out), the return of hayrides at Birch Grove Park coordinated with the Volunteer Fire Company, and cultural events (the 4th of July parade and Connolly Mile).
Looking ahead: for 2026 the mayor named several objectives, including added parking at Birch Grove Park in anticipation of possible future pickleball and basketball courts; a new municipal website through a shared service with Atlantic County; replacement trash receptacles along the bike path made from 100% recycled, UV‑protected materials; and continued slip‑lining work on sanitary sewer lines to extend service life and realize cost savings.
Mayor Chau closed by thanking municipal employees, volunteers and the many boards and committees that support community events and public services. The council approved routine meeting business and a consent agenda later in the same session.
