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Highland Park council introduces 2026 municipal budget, sets May 19 public hearing
Summary
Borough Administrator Tammy introduced a 2026 municipal budget proposing a 3% increase in municipal appropriations (excluding grants), projecting an average property-tax impact of about $229.68 per year; the council voted to introduce the budget by title and scheduled a public hearing for May 19, 2026.
Borough Administrator Tammy presented the borough's proposed 2026 municipal budget and the council voted to introduce it by title, setting a public hearing for May 19, 2026.
The administrator said the total amount to be raised by property taxes is "estimated to be 59,231,196 and 30¢," and described the municipal portion of the budget as a proposed 3% increase in total appropriations when grants are excluded. Tammy said that change would translate to an average property-tax increase of about $229.68 per year (roughly $38 per quarter), based on the borough's average assessed value.
The presentation identified two primary drivers of the increase: a required police and firearms retirement payment of $189,066 and higher salary and wage costs for the police department. Tammy also pointed to funding for an additional full-time firefighter and a new part-time shift, and a modest increase for public-works tree maintenance and planting.
On the utility side, Tammy said the water and sewer budget did not require an immediate rate increase to balance, though the borough anticipates higher water-purchase costs (an estimate of an 11% increase from Middlesex Water pending regulatory approval). She noted estimated savings in sewer-processing fees related to lining work that has reduced inflow and infiltration.
Capital projects included ADA improvements, HVAC and fire-alarm upgrades, the long-planned renewal of the Riverjack water main with accompanying roadway work, and possible purchases of replacement trucks for public works (a garbage truck and potentially a recycling truck to enable single-arm collection). Several projects rely partly on grant funding, and the administrator said final authorizations will return to the council when bids and firm estimates are available.
Council members praised administration and finance staff for producing what several called a "well-put-together" budget, and moved to introduce the budget by title. The motion carried on roll call; the public hearing is scheduled for May 19, 2026, at Borough Hall.
The borough will publish the budget documents and slides on the borough website and in the Home News Tribune as required; taxpayers who wish to challenge the budget may present objections at the May 19 hearing.
