The North Bergen Board of Commissioners unanimously approved (5-0) a $112,908,227.97 budget with a 0.76 tax increase at last week’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
When taking into account the state’s mandated minimum library appropriation and the budgets for the North Bergen Board of Education and Hudson County, the total tax rate will increase by 2.98 percent.
The 0.76 percent municipal tax increase is down significantly from the initially proposed 4.5 percent increase from the preliminary budget, which was successfully reduced thanks in part to a $10 million appropriation in the $54.3 billion state budget.
“I am incredibly proud of our ability to pass a budget that continues our record of keeping property taxes stable, particularly in this challenging time with inflation increasing costs for many essential goods and services,” Mayor Nick Sacco, also the state Senator of the 32nd Legislative District, said in a statement.
“This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our incredible team, including Township Administrator Janet Castro and Chief Financial Officer Robert Pittfield, who worked tirelessly to allocate resources in a responsible manner without compromising the quality of services for our residents. I would also like to thank Governor Murphy and legislative leaders for providing an additional $10 million in state operating aid that I was able to secure to protect North Bergen taxpayers.”
The township’s municipal spending plan includes the installation of new CCTV cameras, the total renovation of 46th Street Park, design stages proceeding on planned renovation of Stan Newman Field, the purchasing of new DPW Sewer Vactor truck and excavator, new nine-passenger Minibus with wheelchair lift for senior activities, and new electric zero emission street vacuums.
Additionally, the budget appropriates funds for the completion of township fiber optic network to offer free broadband internet in several locations, along with the full resurfacing of West Side Avenue thanks to $9 million in state funding.
“Even with significant financial challenges that all municipalities are facing, we are committed to keeping property taxes stable for residents, while investing in numerous new projects and initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life in North Bergen,” added Revenue and Finance Commissioner Claudia Rodriguez.
Other major initiatives also proceeding include the addition of a new NBPD Mini-Precinct at the new Downtown Recreation Center and Library, progressing the School Reorganization Plan, and the new Junior High School campus opening next September.
