Westfield Unveils 2026 Budget, $80 Increase On Average Town Tax Bill Proposed

WESTFIELD, NJ — Westfield introduced its 2026 municipal operating and capital budgets, with the proposal calling for about an $80 annual increase in the municipal portion of the tax bill for the average assessed home.

The $55.6 million budget was introduced and presented to the public at the Mondy night Council meeting. The budget takes into account the average assessed home in Westfield for 2026 at $832,500 in 2026, which is up from $826,700 in 2025.

Under the introduced budget, an average assessed Westfield homeowner would see a tax bill of $3,114 for the town portion or an increase of $80 per year or $6.67 per month.

"When you break it down on monthly costs, it seems to be very, very manageable for town purposes," said Business Administrator Jim Gildea.

Mayor Jeremy Berman said the spending plan was developed over the past two months by the bipartisan finance policy committee and town staff.

"Westfield remains in strong fiscal health, positioning us to continue making strategic investments in our community," said Berman at the Tuesday night Council meeting.

He described public safety as a top priority. Berman said the budget supports continued investment in the upgraded 911 system, competitive compensation for first responders, public safety technology, and road and pedestrian safety work, including flashing vehicle-activated stop signs and pedestrian beacons at key intersections.

He also said the budget includes drainage improvements tied to road work, with pipe size increases and new storm inlets in areas that continue to experience storm water management issues.

The plan advances work on Tamaques Park this year and includes the upcoming installation of expanded parking and new facilities at Houlihan Sid Fay.

At the same time, Berman said Westfield is seeing increases in non-discretionary costs, including healthcare, utilities, pensions and sewer services.

Gildea said nearly half of the budget is spent on public safety and public works, including police, fire, dispatch, crossing guards, roads, sewers, parks, downtown maintenance and forestry management.

He said the town continues to face rising utility, health insurance, and sewer costs.

Along with the buget a capital ordinance was introduced totaling $5.4 million and includes roads, sewers, drainage, public safety items, facility improvements, equipment and vehicles, traffic and pedestrian safety improvements, and recreation and parks work.

Among the capital projects Gildea said are underway from prior budgets are the Sid Fay Houlihan parking lot and comfort station, the Quimby Street design plan, the Tamaques Park design plan, demolition of two purchased properties, and a cell tower installation planned for this year.

"We have over 40 roads that are going to be touched either in full or in part with storm water enhancements, drainage enhancements, and milling and paving, which is a big deal," said Gildea. "If we're able to get done all the roads we planned this year, in addition to what the utilities are doing, by year's end, the town of Westfield will have all 100 miles of road that the town owns paved since 2019. That's really remarkable."

He said more than 40 roads are expected to be touched this year in full or in part. Berman said budget adoption will take place on April 21, following the public hearing and final vote.

The Council unanimously approved the introductory budget on Monday. The public hearing and final vote on the budget are scheduled for April 21.

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