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Montgomery introduces 2026 municipal budget; projects small municipal tax increase
Summary
The Montgomery Township Committee introduced a $2026 municipal budget that raises the municipal tax rate from 48¢ to 50.1¢, an average $98.74 annual increase on the typical assessed home; officials said the plan reduces one-time surplus use and preserves emergency services.
The Montgomery Township Committee on April introduced the 2026 municipal budget and set a public hearing for May 14, officials said. The committee voted to introduce the budget (Resolution 26‑4‑135) after a detailed presentation by CFO Michael Pitts.
Pitts said the municipal portion of the property tax rate would rise from 48¢ to 50.1¢, a 2.1‑cent increase that he calculated as roughly a $98.74 annual rise on the average assessed home (about $505,000), or about $8.23 a month. He told residents the increase is driven largely by non‑discretionary cost drivers: higher health insurance (about $266,000), police salary increases (roughly $260,000) and other mandated costs.
"That's a $98 increase on the average assessed home," Pitts said, noting the township is trimming discretionary spending and reducing reliance on one‑time surplus to protect reserves and its AAA bond rating.
Deputy Mayor Barragan and other committee members framed the budget as fiscally disciplined, saying they prioritized preserving emergency services and limiting new headcount. The budget presentation also highlighted new and recurring revenue sources including grants (noted at $1.9 million so far, including a cited $850,000 congressional grant) and increased shared‑services and cell‑tower revenues that officials said will help reduce the burden on taxpayers.
During public comment, resident Raj Kultur delivered a petition signed by more than 500 residents urging $3 million in cost reductions, a temporary hiring freeze and reconsideration of new sewer capital projects and billing methods. "Residents have an obligation to raise concerns about property taxes going up again," Kultur said.
The committee moved and seconded the introduction resolution and approved it by roll call. The budget hearing is scheduled for May 14; if adopted, officials said the budget would be finalized at a subsequent meeting. Pitts urged residents to review materials posted online and said staff are available for follow‑up questions before the hearing.
What happens next: The committee will hold a public hearing May 14 and may adopt the budget at the end of that meeting, after the statutorily required notice period.
