Bedminster committee introduces $15.9 million 2026 municipal budget; average home sees about $4.89 monthly municipal increase

The Bedminster Township Committee on April 6 introduced the 2026 municipal budget, approving a resolution that sets total appropriations at $15,921,461.40.

The budget presentation was led by Derek Macchia, the township’s chief financial officer, who told the committee the plan had been reviewed by the township and its auditing firm. "Overall, the budget is representing a nominal, tax increase," Macchia said, adding the adoption package includes an approximate 3.24% increase to the municipal tax levy and that the impact to the average assessed home would be about "$4.89 a month." Mayor Jacobs and committee members praised staff for extensive budget meetings and multiple review sessions.

The committee discussed the limits imposed by rising health-care costs and noted school taxes account for a substantially larger share of local tax bills; Mayor Jacobs stressed the township’s focus on public-safety spending and long-term vehicle-replacement planning. Macchia explained the self-examination process used to verify statutory compliance and auditor scrutiny required before a public hearing and final adoption.

A motion to introduce and approve Resolution 2026-073 carried unanimously on a roll-call vote. The adoption process will continue with a public hearing and final vote according to the statutory schedule.

The committee did not set municipal adoption dates at the meeting; the budget introduction starts the public-notice timeline that leads to a public hearing and eventual adoption.