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Hackensack public hearing outlines drivers of proposed 2026 levy increase; BCUA rate hike and health benefits cited
Summary
At a May 5 public hearing on the 2026 municipal budget, officials cited a $900,000 Bergen County Utilities Authority rate increase, rising health benefits costs and prior pilot agreements as primary drivers of a 10.25% levy increase; council discussed budget practices and invited further public scrutiny.
Hackensack officials presented the city’s condensed 2026 budget report at a May 5 public hearing, citing sewage-treatment rate increases and rising health insurance costs among the main drivers of a proposed levy increase.
"Seven point one million of that 6.3 million are the health benefits," the recorded budget presentation stated, and officials added that a separate $900,000 increase from the Bergen County Utilities Authority (BCUA) reflects a treatment rate hike rather than higher usage. The presentation noted that municipal claims were up sharply in 2025 and that some relief has appeared in 2026, but that the city must address long-term liabilities and rate pressures.
Mayor Casim Gains and other council members argued that long-term 30-year pilot tax abatements reduced commercial valuations and limited growth in the tax base. "It's obvious that pilots as a fiscal policy is not working," Mayor Gaines said, criticizing the effect on ratables and urging more fiscally conservative budgeting.
Council members and residents asked how the 10.25% levy figure affects individual homeowners. Officials explained that the 10.25% figure describes the increase to the overall levy and does not translate to a uniform 10.25% rise on every homeowner’s bill; the presentation estimated an average municipal impact of about $48.13 per year on the typical home.
Public commenters raised questions about the long-term effect of pilot agreements, the timing of revenue assumptions and whether the city should seek state transition aid. City officials responded that Hackensack is not running a municipal deficit comparable to larger cities cited in public comments and that staff are pursuing internal spending controls while seeking grants where possible. The council opened the record for public comment after the video presentation; several residents urged attention to pedestrian safety, crosswalks and infrastructure projects tied to grant funding.
No final vote on the full budget appropriations occurred at the meeting; the hearing provided an opportunity for public input and for council to continue refining the budget before final adoption.
