Tax Increase In Montclair’s Future Under Proposed Town Budget

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair homeowners would face an increase of nearly 2 percent to the municipal portion of their property taxes under an early draft of the town budget, officials say.

The Montclair Town Council voted to introduce the 2023 proposed budget during their meeting on Monday (watch the video below). If it passes as written, the budget would mean a $100 tax increase for a property valued at $633,600. The $99.99 million spending plan is up almost 5 percent from last year.

The introduced budget document can be seen online here.

According to a presentation from municipal officials, the town is facing an increase of more than 20 percent for utilities such as gas and electric, and a 10 percent increase for landfill fees related to trash disposal.

Another cost increase – about $892,000 more for the town’s fire department – would pay for three new firefighters and other expenses. See Related: Fiery Debate As Montclair Renews Controversial Fire Contract

The spending plan is only a preliminary budget. A public hearing and final vote has been scheduled for May 16.

Property taxes in New Jersey are made up of three parts: school, municipal and county. Here’s how that played out in Montclair during 2022, according to state figures:

• School – 57%
• Municipal – 26%
• County – 17%

Earlier this month, the Montclair Board of Education heard a presentation and saw some early figures for the 2023-2024 school budget. The district is projecting $138.85 million in revenue and $146.4 million in expenses, leaving a $7.54 million deficit.

• See Related: Early Montclair School Budget Figures Released At Board Meeting
• See Related: Appeal For Budget Bucks Continues In Montclair (VIDEO)
• See Related: Average Property Tax Bill In Montclair Is Growing, Latest Data Shows

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