Mahwah Council adopts 2026 municipal budget, holds levy at 2.42%

The Mahwah Township Council adopted the 2026 municipal budget as amended at its May 4 meeting, keeping the municipal tax levy at 2.42 percent.

Business Administrator Benjamin Kezmarsky told the Council and the public that the levy rate remained unchanged from the initial presentation; the budget package lists total general revenues of $51,666,000.31 and general appropriations matching that figure. The budget materials attached to the minutes show municipal operating salaries and wages of $16,945,301 and total debt-service of $6,463,802.23 for 2026.

Council opened the public hearing on the budget and closed it after a member of the public asked about the percentage increase; no changes were proposed during the hearing. The Council then voted to adopt the budget on a roll-call vote, with members voting in favor as recorded in the meeting minutes.

Why it matters: adopting the budget finalizes spending limits for township operations and capital improvements, and sets the formal municipal levy charged on local property owners for 2026. The meeting record shows follow-up work on capital projects that will be funded out of the adopted budget, including the Lawrence Road water-main replacement (bids scheduled May 5) and the 2026 road, curb and sidewalk program, which the Township Engineer said will begin milling and paving in June and continue into July.

What’s next: staff indicated project-specific procurements and contractor awards will return to the Council—Mr. Kelly expects to present an award on the Lawrence Road water-main replacement at the May 18 Council meeting. The public record shows the Township will issue additional notices and updates as contracts are executed and work begins.