Here’s What You Need To Know About Your Taxes: Sayreville’s 2026 Municipal Budget
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SAYREVILLE, NJ – Sayreville officials have introduced a proposed 2026 municipal budget that includes a notable increase in the local tax levy, even as the overall budget size slightly decreases.
The plan outlines roughly $83.4 million in spending, down from about $84.7 million last year. But despite the smaller overall budget, the amount funded through local property taxes would increase significantly if approved.
Under the proposal, the municipal tax rate would rise from 1.592 to 1.8444 per $100 of assessed value, according to borough budget documents.
đź’° What Residents Would Notice Most: Higher Local Taxes
The biggest takeaway for homeowners is the proposed increase in the local tax levy, which would rise from approximately $37.7 million to $43.7 million, a change driven by shifts in how the budget is being balanced.
While the total budget is slightly lower than last year, officials are relying more heavily on local tax revenue this cycle.
📉 Why Is The Tax Levy Going Up?
Borough officials point to two major changes affecting this year’s budget structure:
1. Less reliance on surplus funds
Sayreville is using about $6 million from its surplus to balance the budget, down from roughly $9.4 million used last year.
2. Sharp drop in grant funding
Projected state and federal grants are expected to fall significantly—from about $6.67 million down to $1.81 million, according to budget figures.
Together, those shifts mean more of the budget is being supported through local property taxes.
🧾 Where The Money Goes
A large portion of the budget continues to go toward core borough services and staffing.
Key spending areas include:
- Nearly $29 million for salaries and wages across departments
- About $15.8 million for Police Department salaries and wages
- More than $7.4 million for pensions, retirement, and Social Security obligations
- Approximately $8.2 million for debt service payments
🏗️ Big Infrastructure Plans Still Moving Forward
Beyond day-to-day operations, Sayreville is planning a significant wave of infrastructure investment through its long-term capital program, which totals about $172.8 million over six years.
đź’§ Water System Upgrades
- $18 million for a PFAS treatment system
- $13.1 million for water meter replacements
🛣️ Roads & Sewer Work
- Roughly $3.97 million for road improvements
- About $2.2 million for sewer upgrades
đźš“ Public Safety Investments
- $195,000 for police body cameras
- Additional fire department equipment upgrades
Budget documents are also available for review at the Municipal Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.
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