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Brielle adopts $14.17 million 2026 budget and OKs $1.95M in bonds for street repairs
Summary
On May 11 the Brielle Mayor and Council adopted a $14,167,912.29 2026 municipal budget that lowers the average household tax bill and approved a $1.95 million bond issuance to fund street and infrastructure projects including Birch Drive and Oceanview Road.
The Brielle Mayor and Council voted May 11 to adopt the 2026 municipal budget totaling $14,167,912.29 and to authorize $1,950,000 in bonds to finance a portion of planned infrastructure work.
Finance Chairman Councilman Visceglia told the council the budget raises $11,525,805.00 by municipal taxes and earmarks $1,950,000 for infrastructure improvements. "The average assessment in Brielle is $1,250,000," Visceglia said, adding that "that figure results in a local tax bill of $5,350.00, but in 2026 that number is reduced to $4,933.76 for a savings of $416.24 for the average household." The council said the budget will permit continuation of required services while funding needed capital work.
Borough auditors John Swisher and Richard Hulsart were present during the hearing and answered technical questions about revenue assumptions. Auditor Swisher explained the borough "anticipated less than was realized" in the prior year to regenerate surplus, and described the Chapter 159 resolution process for adding grant revenues to the budget after adoption.
During public comment resident George Mervine asked how budget requests were vetted; Mayor Garruzzo said department heads submit requests to the Finance Committee, which evaluates needs before recommending appropriations.
The council also adopted a bond ordinance that appropriates $2,500,000 for various capital improvements and authorizes the issuance of $1,950,000 in bonds and notes to finance part of the cost. Administrator Nolan said projects identified for the current phase include Birch Drive, Cedar Lane, Sunset Drive, Oceanview Road and Cardeza Avenue. "Should these projects be accomplished within the existing 2-million-dollar budget, the borough would move on to the next street on the list," Administrator Nolan said.
Council approved Resolution 26-87 to adopt the budget and later passed Resolution 26-90 on final reading of the bond ordinance; both votes were unanimous among the councilmembers present (Colon, Gianforte, Laufer, Nolan, Shaak and Visceglia).
The budget discussion also noted specific capital needs: landfill-fee increases raised the solid-waste appropriation, and capital lines include replacement of a 1999 dump truck, a failing landscape trailer and accruals to buy a future ambulance. The council said replaced units had been auctioned and the proceeds booked as miscellaneous revenue.
Next steps: the borough certified the budget adoption and the council authorized publication of the ordinance adoption as required by the Local Bond Law.
