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Sayreville 2026 Budget: Taxes Set to Rise as $83.4M Plan Moves Forward

ByJoe

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The Borough of Sayreville has introduced its proposed $83.4 million budget for 2026, outlining spending priorities for the year ahead — along with a notable increase in local property taxes.

While overall spending is slightly down compared to last year, shifts in funding sources mean residents will likely see higher tax bills.

Here’s what to know.

📊 Smaller Budget, Bigger Tax Impact

The proposed budget totals $83,402,890, down from approximately $84.6 million in 2025.

However, the local property tax levy is increasing by 15.85%, with the borough planning to raise $43.75 million through taxes, up from $37.7 million last year.

🏠 What It Could Mean for Your Tax Bill

The municipal tax rate is projected to rise from 1.592 to 1.844 per $100 of assessed value.

Based on borough estimates, here’s how that impacts different property values:

  • $100,000 home: about $1,844 (⬆️ $252)
  • $200,000 home: about $3,688 (⬆️ $504)
  • $300,000 home: about $5,533 (⬆️ $757)
  • $400,000 home: about $7,377 (⬆️ $1,009)

The exact increase will vary depending on a home’s assessed value, but the data shows a consistent rise across the board.

📉 Why Taxes Are Increasing

Several key changes are driving the shift:

  • Less surplus funding:
    The borough is using $6 million in surplus, down from $9.4 million last year
  • Significant drop in grants:
    State and federal funding is expected to fall by nearly 73%, from $6.6 million to about $1.8 million
  • Higher reliance on local taxes:
    With fewer outside funding sources, more of the budget is being supported locally

👮 Where the Money Is Going

A large portion of the budget continues to fund personnel and core services.

Major expenses include:

  • Salaries and wages: $28.95 million
    • Police salaries alone total $15.8 million
  • Employee health insurance: $9.75 million
  • Debt service: $8.22 million
  • Pensions and social security: $7.43 million

These costs support day-to-day services like public safety, road maintenance, sanitation, and snow removal.

🚧 Long-Term Investments: Roads, Water, and Public Safety

In addition to the annual budget, Sayreville has outlined a six-year capital plan totaling $172.8 million through 2031.

Key priorities include:

  • Water system upgrades:
    • $18 million for PFAS treatment
    • $13.13 million for water meter replacements
  • Road and sewer improvements:
    • $21 million for roadwork
    • $15.7 million for sewer upgrades
  • Public safety investments:
    • $3.3 million total
    • Including $195,000 for police body cameras

💧 Additional Funds: Utilities and Open Space

Separate from the main budget:

  • Water Utility Budget: $15.3 million
    Funded primarily through user fees and surplus
  • Open Space Trust Fund:
    About $474,000 for land preservation and recreation

📌 What Comes Next

The proposed budget outlines how Sayreville plans to balance rising costs, reduced external funding, and long-term infrastructure needs.

Further review and discussion are expected before the budget is finalized.

👉 Want clear, local coverage that actually explains what these numbers mean for you?

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