No Municipal Tax Increase In Westfield's Projected Budget

WESTFIELD, NJ - For the first time in decades there will be no municipal tax increase in Westfield if the budget introduced on Tuesday is passed.

The budget introduction passed with an 8-1 vote with Councilwoman Jo Ann Neylan voting no. She said she had issues with using a portion of the surplus to offset a tax hike. The rest of the council, and Mayor Shelley Brindle did not share that concern.

"Thank you to the members of the public that provided feedback and suggestions. We heard you, and ensured that your priorities are our priorities," Brindle said. "For the first time in decades, we will be delivering a zero percent municipal tax levy while prioritizing investment in infrastructure and technology and maintaining an extremely healthy surplus."

According to the slideshow presented Tuesday, there were three main objectives when it came to the budgeting process:

• Establish a 5-10 year roadmap for growth and smart development to increase ratables, diversify our tax base, and improve infrastructure, traffic, mobility and parks to create a vibrant, livable, and affordable town for residents of all ages and abilities
• Minimize tax burden on residents while investing in people, processes, and infrastructure to establish Westfield as a 21st Century Community
• Create a smarter, more efficient government over the long-term enabling us to “do more with less”

The presentation also laid out five goals:

• Goal 1: Continue track record of strong fiscal management, with an emphasis on managing surplus, investing strategically, and improving cost efficiencies
• Goal 2: Continue to invest in technology and automation as a means to improve service and support growth without adding costs
• Goal 3: Modernize and upgrade critical Town assets to improve efficiencies and service
• Goal 4: Prioritize smart planning and redevelopment as Master Plan and Parks Plan come to fruition
• Goal 5: Expand efforts and opportunities to engage the community

According to Business Administrator Jim Gildea's presentation, which can be seen here, the owner of a home assessed at the town average of $795,159 would pay $16,730 in municipal taxes. While the total tax rate will not be available until all all governmental budgets are approved and final tax rates are certified by the County, the presentation did tout several highlights:

• Zero % Municipal Tax Increase in 2019
• Total revenues increase by 6%, total expenditures increase by 2.32%
• Fiscally smart use of surplus. Putting “savings” to work to stabilize the tax rate and continue to invest in the Town’s future.
• Surplus balance retained at $9.5 million target

Those interested can view the slideshow presentation here and review the complete budget document sent to the County here. The budget hearing is scheduled for 8 p.m. on April 23 at the Town Hall, located at 425 East Broad Street.

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