Helmetta budget shows 25% water rate increase; council introduces meter-upgrade bond ordinance

The Borough of Helmetta's adopted 2026 budget includes a required 25% increase in water rates to offset lost nonrecurring revenue, officials said at the July 15 meeting. The mayor's budget statement lists the Water Fund total at $768,548, funded by $544,000 in customer user fees, $63,184 in fair share fees, $100,000 in tower rental income and $14,414 from capital reserves. "There was a 25% rate increase required to balance the 2026 budget due to the loss non- recurring revenue," the mayor said.

At the same meeting council introduced Ordinance 2026-11, a bond ordinance authorizing up to $60,000 in bonds (total appropriation $80,000) to acquire and install radio-read water meter reader component upgrades. The ordinance was introduced for first reading and set for public hearing on Aug. 19, 2026; the motion to introduce passed on a recorded 5-0 roll call. Council documents show the Water Fund appropriation includes $420,000 for Purchase of Water (54.65% of the fund) and $88,158 for debt service.