No Tax Increase In Berkeley's 2023 Municipal Budget

BERKELEY, NJ — There will be no municipal tax increase under the proposed budget for 2023, Mayor Carmen Amato said.

The tax rate is staying the same as it was in 2022, Amato told Patch. This is 0.705 per $100 of assessed valuation.

"This is extremely good news for our taxpayers," Amato said. "As you know, between the sharp increase in inflation and the unique set of challenges due to the pandemic, it has not been easy."

This budget maintains the same level of services residents have previously received, with an increase to public safety.

"We have hired additional police officers and have provided record amounts of funding towards our police, fire and emergency medical services to keep our residents safe and secure," Amato said.

The municipal budget is only about 30 percent of a Berkeley property owner's tax bill. It also includes county government and school district taxes. Central Regional School District's budget includes a tax increase for Berkeley residents.

Berkeley continues to have the second-lowest property taxes in Ocean County and the 31st lowest out of New Jersey's 564 municipalities.

"I wish to thank the members of the Township Council, especially Council President John Bacchione, who chairs our Finance Committee, for working with me to keep the costs of government down," Amato said. "The average Berkeley Township homeowner will continue to pay less than half of the statewide average property tax bill."

Also, Standards & Poor's rating service has once again sustained Berkeley’s bond rating at "AA-." In 2019, S&P increased Berkeley's rating from an "A+" to a "AA-."

"Once again, we are extremely pleased that S&P has recognized the extreme effort we have made to be financially responsive to our taxpayers despite these difficult economic times," Amato said.

Amato said he anticipates City Council to adopt the budget at a special meeting set for July 3, so estimated tax bills will not be sent out - saving the township about $30,000.

Property owners should expect their final third and fourth quarter tax bills mid-July, Amato said.

You can view the proposed budget online here.