Chester Taxes Set To Increase: See What It Means For Homeowners

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Chester Township has introduced its 2026 tentative budget, and with it comes a tax hike for residents.

According to Mayor Tim Drag, the proposed budget accounts for a 2.54 percent increase to taxes, mainly due to rising healthcare costs and the township’s efforts to maintain a “healthy fund balance.”

Just like a shock absorber cushions a car from bumps in the road, a strong fund balance helps protect our budget from unexpected expenses, economic downturns, or emergencies,” Drag said. “It allows us to avoid sudden tax spikes, maintain stable services, and respond quickly when challenges arise. With the uncertainties in today’s economy, a responsible fund balance is more important than ever. Over the last several years, robust interest rates and non-recurring revenue have kept our fund balance in good shape. With neither on the horizon, we need to ensure we live within our means.”

What this means for the average Chester homeowner is that they can expect to pay an additional $80 per year increase in the municipal portion of the tax bill.

“At the same time, we are laser-focused on our capital spending and closely reviewing recurring expenses to identify opportunities where costs can be reduced or eliminated. Our goal is to ensure we extract every ounce of value from every dollar we spend,” Drag said. “By responsibly managing our finances today, we’re protecting the long-term stability of Chester Township.”

A meeting on the budget and the proposed tax bill is slated for May 5 at 7 p.m. Residents are able to attend the meeting and address town officials with questions and concerns.