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Kenilworth council introduces 2026 budget with $79.77 tax increase for average home
Summary
Councilman Marra introduced the borough’s proposed 2026 budget, reporting a final average-home tax increase of $79.77, a $6.7 million surplus, a $16 million increase in taxable valuation, and an exit from the state health benefits plan projected to save about $300,000; public hearing set for May 6, 2026.
Councilman Marra introduced the borough’s proposed 2026 municipal budget and said the package cuts the previously projected tax increase for the average home to $79.77.
The budget comes after several months of discussions, Marra said, in which initial estimates put the average-home increase at roughly $216 and later $267 before the council’s planning and spending decisions reduced it to the current figure. "Through careful planning and disciplined budgeting, we are pleased to present a final increase of $79.77 for the average home in Kenilworth," he said.
Why it matters: the proposal also reflects a strengthening tax base and one-time adjustments. Marra reported that taxable net valuation rose by more than $16 million and that the borough ended 2025 with a $6.7 million surplus, an increase of about $2.7 million from the prior year. He said the borough intends to exit the state health benefits plan effective June 1, 2026, resulting in approximately $300,000 in savings for taxpayers.
Details and next steps: the council doubled the line for celebration/public events in 2026 to support national anniversary programming and increased the street-tree budget from $35,000 to $85,000. State aid was described as essentially flat at a little over $1 million. Marra noted the formal public hearing and adoption of the budget are scheduled for the council meeting on May 6, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The budget document will be posted online and will be available from the borough clerk for public review.
What council said: Council members approved introducing the municipal budget resolution to allow public review and comment at the May hearing. The council also introduced an ordinance to establish a municipal "cap bank" under state statute (see separate item).
What to watch next: the council will hold a public hearing May 6 and then will consider adoption. Any changes proposed at the hearing will be recorded in the official minutes and meeting materials.
