Delayed Town Budget In West Orange Causes Tax Bill Backup

WEST ORANGE, NJ — West Orange's 2026 municipal budget still hasn’t crossed the finish line, which recently caused a delay in the mailing of property tax bills.

Township administrators issued the following update on Wednesday:

"The 4th quarter tax amounts have not yet been determined due to the fact that the township does not yet have the 2026 certified tax rate. Once the certified rate is calculated, the bills will be posted online and the date of the grace period will be determined. The grace period for the payment of the 4th quarter property taxes will be extended 25 days from the date of mailing. Bills will be printed and mailed as soon as possible. Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding."

Although the town’s budget still awaits a final thumbs-up, local homeowners will likely see a tax hike under the proposed version.

Under a draft budget released in April, the municipal tax increase is projected to come to $312 for an average homeowner with a property assessed at $615,472.

During the town council meeting on Sept. 15, administrators said the spending plan is still being reviewed by the state.

After the state finishes its review of the budget, the township council will have to hold a public hearing and final vote before it is finalized.

West Orange isn’t the only Essex County municipality that is still awaiting approval of its 2026 budget. Other towns and cities with still-unresolved municipal budgets include Newark and Belleville.

PROPERTY TAXES IN WEST ORANGE

Property taxes in New Jersey are mainly made up of three parts: school, municipal and county.

The town’s chief financial officer recently estimated that the total tax increase for West Orange homeowners – including school, town and county – will come to $666 this year.

• Related: West Orange School Board OKs New Budget With Tax Hike, Job Cuts
• Related: Average West Orange Property Tax Tops $16K: See Latest 5-Year Breakdown

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