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Old Bridge adopts 2026 municipal budget and $4.5M bond ordinance
Summary
The Old Bridge Township Council on April 7 adopted the calendar‑year 2026 municipal budget and a $4.5 million capital bond ordinance after presentations from township finance staff and the auditor; council approved the budget in a 6–1 roll call and enacted the bond ordinance to finance road, park and facility projects.
The Old Bridge Township Council adopted its calendar‑year 2026 municipal budget and a companion capital bond ordinance during a regularly scheduled meeting on April 7.
Administrator Anna and finance staff presented the budget and capital program, describing a line‑by‑line review in response to steep cost increases for health insurance, utilities and pensions. Finance presenter Dawn said the 2026 proposed municipal budget calls for $75,032,942 in expenditures and lists $39,641,374 as the amount to be raised by taxation, with $12,500,000 expected to come from fund balance. Dawn said the municipal portion of the tax bill represents 16% of the total tax rate and estimated the proposed municipal tax rate at 1.055, an average increase of about $39 for a home assessed at $158,052.
“All of their hard work will ensure that we continue to provide services to our residents,” auditor Allison said in opening remarks, praising staff who prepared the document. Dawn and Administrator Anna emphasized cost‑containment efforts, targeted reductions and continued reliance on federal, state and local grants to offset capital costs.
The presentation noted several expenditure increases, including $1,035,135 in salary and wages and higher debt service linked to previous bond amortization. The plan also funds one new full‑time patrol officer in the police department and includes an anticipated municipal revaluation (estimated at $3.5–4.0 million) in the capital plan.
Council members opened a public hearing on the budget but received no public comments. Council Vice President Dr. Greenberg Belli moved to adopt the budget appropriations (calendar‑year 2026 appropriation figure stated on the meeting floor); the motion was seconded by Councilman Asatulli and carried on roll call with one member dissenting (Councilman Rosoli).
On the capital side, council also considered and adopted a multipurpose bond ordinance authorizing $4,500,000 in appropriations with $4,274,700 to be financed by bonds or notes. Dawn said the 2026 capital program emphasizes curb and drainage work, road resurfacing, park improvements (including playgrounds and courts), IT and facility upgrades, and vehicle replacements. The ordinance requires a $225,300 down payment provided from the capital improvement fund and leaves net borrowing of $4,274,700 to be issued in short‑term notes and converted into long‑term bonds in coming months.
Council members repeatedly thanked staff for the budget and capital presentations. Administrator Anna and finance staff noted the state reviewed and certified aspects of the budget during the spring review period.
The council set public hearings and first readings for several ordinances and approved the consent agenda before adjourning at 9:15 p.m.
