Montague Committee adopts near-3% tax increase, rejects $815,000 sprinkler bid

Montague Township’s Committee agreed March 27 to a 2.979% tax increase for 2025, a choice the panel said was necessary to preserve capital spending and cover higher operating costs.

Registered Municipal Accountant/Auditor Heidi Wohlleb said a 2.5% increase would add about $17 per year for the average homeowner, while “a 3% increase (technically 2.979%) would raise the average homeowner’s taxes by just under $21 per year and add $23,500 to Capital.” Wohlleb also projected the town’s year-end fund balance would be about $971,000—roughly $93,000 below 2024—after a planned $545,000 draw on reserves.

The increase followed a review that found salaries, health benefits, pensions and operational costs had pushed expenses higher; Chief Finance Officer Sharon Yarosz said health benefits are up roughly 17% and electricity costs are projected to rise about 20%. Yarosz and Wohlleb told the Committee they took a conservative view on tax-collection assumptions and noted prior one-time revenues, such as cell-tower income, had helped the town in earlier years.

Committee members discussed several capital priorities. The 2025 budget includes $144,000 for road work (down from $125,000 in 2023 for a different mix of projects); Yarosz said approximately $260,000 would be needed to address all identified road needs. The Committee unanimously removed Oak Ridge Road from the 2025 plan and reallocated its $11,800 to general capital. Members also removed a $12,000 Disc Golf Course allocation and redirected that money toward purchasing fire equipment. The township noted a $70,000 grant is available for a walking path project.

On recreation infrastructure, Township Committee member Mr. LeDonne presented three proposals to rehabilitate and convert the Zitone Ballfield used by the Montague Little League, saying rising participation and long-term neglect make upgrades urgent. The Committee unanimously agreed to move forward with awarding a contract at the next Township Committee meeting to address the field’s condition.

The Committee also considered a sprinkler-system installation at the Montague Township Community Center and Firehouse. Mayor Zitone said the township received three bids; the lowest—$815,000—came from K&D Contractors, LLC. Ms. Holstein moved to accept that bid and Mr. Innella seconded, but the motion failed on a roll call vote: Ms. Holstein and Mr. Innella voted in favor, while Mr. LeDonne, Mr. Merusi and Mayor Zitone opposed. As a result, the project funds remain in the capital budget. After the vote, Ms. Holstein proposed exploring a referendum to ask voters about funding a full kitchen plus a sprinkler system; Committee members did not oppose considering the idea.

Members discussed options to bolster public safety patrols—Mr. Innella said he and Ms. Holstein would contact County Commissioners Alan Henderson and Jill Space about county assistance or a possible additional sheriff’s officer for small municipalities—and concluded that due to state/local appropriation limits the additional $23,500 from the chosen tax increase should remain in Capital for flexible use.

During public participation, resident Rich Gulla raised concerns about speeding on River Road and suggested installing electronic speed signs; Mr. Innella said he would contact a Sussex County contact to explore installation options.

Wohlleb said the 2025 Local Municipal Budget will be introduced at the Township Committee meeting on April 8, 2025. The Committee adjourned at 6:00 p.m.