Municipal Budget Includes 0.75% Tax Increase In East Brunswick

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ — Residents of East Brunswick should expect to see a slight increase, of 0.75 percent, in their taxes this year. This amounts to an increase of $5.85 per month for the average taxpayer, Mayor Brad Cohen said Monday.

Cohen acknowledged that wage increases have not been able to keep up with high inflation for many township residents.

“In the middle of this is local government, whose mission is to provide for the services that keep our community functioning in a way that allows us to enjoy a safe respite and is committed to the three pillars on the (township) emblem – home, education, and commerce,” Cohen said.

“The fact remains that we too must deal with increased wages for our employees, increased healthcare and pension costs, increased costs of goods and services, supply chain delays, increased fuel costs and so on.”

Thanks to the township’s strict financial management, the municipal budget calls for a “modest” 0.75 percent increase, Cohen said.

“This budget stays within all state required caps and is the third year in a row that I have been able to keep the municipal tax increases below 1 percent,” Cohen said.

While running for office six years ago, Cohen promised to stabilize municipal taxes. Taxes now average at 1.39 percent per year since taking office, Cohen said.

“There are no tricks in this budget. We will continue with our capital projects among which is our pavement management program to the tune of $2 million yearly,” Cohen said.

"Between this plan and the state and federal grant the township has received, the township has never seen such a massive commitment to repaving the 240 miles of roads that traverse East Brunswick," Cohen said.

Even with this minimal tax hike, all township programs including recreation, arts and senior center, are funded "at or above last year's levels," the Mayor said.

A public hearing of the budget is expected at a later date.

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