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Livingston council adopts 2026 budget amendment, touts reserves and PFAS progress
Summary
The Livingston Township Council on June 8 adopted a 2026 municipal budget amendment (Resolution 26-194). Town Manager Barry Lewis and CFO Anne Coochie highlighted a $17 million-plus fund balance, a municipal tax share of 16.4% of the average tax bill, and near-complete PFAS remediation.
The Livingston Township Council voted unanimously June 8 to adopt Resolution 26-194, amending the municipality's 2026 budget.
Town Manager Barry Lewis summarized the amended budget and fiscal health, saying "61.4% of that goes to the school," and explaining that municipal purposes account for about 16.4% of a typical tax bill. Lewis told the council the average assessed home value used in the calculations was $729,727 and the municipal tax rate was 0.452.
The budget presentation said the township has broadened revenue streams, reducing reliance on property taxes from about 79% in 2018 to roughly 65% today. Lewis noted the township absorbed an almost $800,000 increase in health-insurance costs while limiting the town's increase by encouraging health savings accounts for employees.
CFO Anne Coochie credited fiscal controls and said the township's fund balance at year-end 2025 exceeded $17 million, a record in recent decades. Council members praised improved bond ratings, with the township now at A1, and said that stronger reserves and rating help reduce future borrowing costs.
The council also heard an update on water quality projects. Lewis said PFAS remediation work is about 95% complete and that the township expects to reach full compliance in 2027. He said the water utility capital program is fully funded and that recent rate adjustments support sewer and water operations.
After the presentation, the council adopted the budget amendment by roll-call vote. Council member Minhart, Council member Anthony, Council member Vieira, Deputy Mayor Baptani and Mayor Sean Klein all voted yes.
The council emphasized that the municipal portion of the tax bill remains among the lowest in Essex County and that the budget funds public safety, roads and capital projects while maintaining staffing and services.
The amended budget and related resolution were read into the record as part of the meeting minutes.
