Westfield Leaders Review Budget Spending, Look Ahead To 2026

WESTFIELD, NJ — Town Administrator Jim Gildea gave Westfield's annual budget forum address on Jan. 29.

The presentation covered how the Town fared in 2025, as well as points of focus moving further into 2026.

A total of $197,135,779 in taxes was collected in 2025, with the majority (62.3 percent) going to the school district tax levy. Other areas that followed included the Union County tax levy (19.07 percent), the municipal tax levy (16.01 percent), the Westfield Library (1.83 percent), and the Union County open space tax levy (.79 percent).

Of the $54.4 million total budget for 2025, 58 percent was supported through the tax levy. The remainder was funded through revenues such as construction and parking permits, court fees, state aid, and delinquent taxes.

The highest percentage of the budget went to salary and wages for workers ($20.09 million). This number rose 2.63 percent, or by around $540,000, from 2024.

The Town used $6.8 million of a conserve surplus fund to account for revenue losses, offset non-discretionary cost hikes, and manage and reduce the tax rate moving forward.

The fund was replenished at the end of 2024 and had $14 million available going into 2025.

Westfield also maintained its AAA bond rating on its ability to borrow and repay money, a threshold that only eight percent of all communities in New Jersey achieve, according to the Town.

Leaders are currently meeting with auditors and department heads until March 7 as they prepare the 2026 budget to be introduced to the public on March 24.

Non-discretionary costs, such as pensions, insurance, debt service, and utilities, are estimated to rise by $1 million in 2026, due to inflation and contractual obligations.

Speaking on a scale of general financial health, Gildea said the town is focused on maintaining outstanding fiscal oversight, continuing to prioritize public safety, upgrading recreational opportunities, and advocating for overall quality of life.

Leaders say they anticipate the budget to be adopted on April 21.

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