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Beach Haven adopts $17.39 million 2026 budget, approves 1.5¢ tax-rate increase
Summary
Council adopted the 2026 municipal budget for $17,387,797.25, raising the tax levy to $9,535,712.03 (a 1.5¢ increase). The decision followed public comment urging use of surplus to reduce the rate and council discussion of rising insurance and health-care costs.
The Beach Haven Borough Council adopted the 2026 municipal budget on May 11, approving total appropriations of $17,387,797.25 and a tax levy to be raised by taxation of $9,535,712.03.
At final reading of Ordinance 2026-8 (to exceed the municipal budget appropriations limit pursuant to the statute cited in the meeting), the clerk summarized year-over-year changes: a $1,179,647.63 increase in total appropriations (7.28%); salary and wage increases totaling $46,280.47; a 10.76% rise in operating expenses; a 14% increase in liability insurance and a 25% increase in employee group health costs that together accounted for roughly $550,000 in higher costs. The library minimum appropriation increased by 9.27% to $1,480,414.92, and the borough will collect a 1¢ open-space preservation tax generating $222,797.01.
John Halpern, speaking for the Beach Haven Taxpayers Association, urged lowering the proposed 1.5¢ increase to a 1¢ increase and suggested using available surplus (mentioned in the meeting as roughly $5.5 million) to subsidize the difference. "We would recommend, in any way possible, to decrease that 1.5¢ increase to at least get to the 3.3 percent we're seeing through the CPI increase," Halpern said, arguing that the tax increase exceeded the consumer-price movement.
Council members and the clerk responded that rising insurance and health-care costs, along with debt-service obligations and beach-restoration uncertainties, constrained cuts. The clerk noted that the borough has been using more surplus to fund operations this year but warned that emergencies (for example, beach repairs) could quickly deplete reserves.
After public comment the council adopted the ordinance and passed the budget by roll-call vote. The formal resolution lists appropriations and summarizes revenues; the clerk certified the budget was adopted May 11, 2026.
What happens next: The council will publish the adopted budget as required and proceed with administration of appropriations; residents will see the change reflected in forthcoming tax bills.
