Bridgewater moves ahead with a $54.9 million bipartisan budget and a slight tax increase for 2026

Bridgewater approves bipartisan budget

Bridgewater Township Council approved a bipartisan $54.9 million municipal budget for 2026 on May 7, advancing a spending plan that slightly raises taxes for township residents and homeowners.

Council members from both parties backed the proposal after budget talks focused on services, infrastructure, employees, public works, park upgrades, and Bridgewater’s changing political makeup after recent elections.

Spending rises from last year

Bridgewater’s 2026 municipal budget increased from $51.5 million in 2025 to $54.9 million, creating a spending rise of about $3.375 million for township operations, services, planning, and project work.

The larger plan reflects continued funding for daily operations, equipment needs, public services, technology improvements, and projects council members reviewed during public budget discussions before final adoption proceedings.

Tax rate changes slightly

The municipal tax rate will rise from 24.40 cents to 24.48 cents per $100 of assessed value under the adopted 2026 budget, creating a small increase for Bridgewater homeowners.

Officials said a township home assessed at $600,000 in 2025 paid $1,464 per year in municipal taxes under the previous rate before the adopted increase took effect.

Higher assessments affect bills

With an assessed value near $660,000 in 2026, the same example home would pay $1,615.68 annually in municipal taxes under the new rate calculation from officials.

That change equals $151.68 more per year, or about $13 each month, giving residents a clearer view of the adopted budget’s household impact from municipal property taxes for homeowners.

Programs and services get funding

The budget supports recreation programs, senior services, public safety upgrades, technology infrastructure, public works equipment, road improvements, park investments, facility needs, maintenance, and operations across Bridgewater Township departments.

Township leaders also plan to continue road work while moving forward with selected drainage and park projects included in the adopted spending plan for 2026 improvements and maintenance.

Council leaders stress cooperation

Council President Joan Geiger described the budget work as a joint effort across party lines, saying members listened, collaborated, and worked through different priorities together during public discussions.

Her comments came during a Democrat-led council term for the first time in nearly 40 years, with three Democrats and two Republicans serving Bridgewater residents together during budget talks.

Fun fact: Mayor Matthew Moench studied both Cell Biology, Neuroscience, and Political Science before graduating in the top 5% at Seton Hall Law.

Line by line review shaped talks

Geiger said she met with Township Administrator Michael Pappas for three hours to review the budget line-by-line before the May 7 council vote and public hearing session took place.

She said members brought different concerns into discussions, including public works, redevelopment, commercial tax revenue, and the township’s need to improve surplus levels through future budget planning efforts.

Little-known fact: Before serving as Mayor of Bridgewater Township, Matthew Moench spent 12 years on the Bridgewater Council, including time as Council President.

Leaders admit limits remain

Geiger said the adopted budget was not perfect, noting council members understood Bridgewater still needed to strengthen its surplus position through future budgeting after approving the spending plan.

That point added a practical note to the bipartisan agreement, showing officials supported the budget while recognizing financial work remained beyond the final vote and future review sessions.

Bucko thanks township team

Council Vice President Andrew Bucko thanked Mayor Matthew Moench, Township Administrator Michael Pappas, and Sarah Housman’s finance team for guiding work on the 2026 municipal budget process carefully.

Bucko said Bridgewater could maintain resident services while investing in municipal employees, connecting the spending plan to public needs, workforce support, department priorities, and local operations across township departments.

Kirsh says process worked

Councilman Michael Kirsh said the budget process worked very well this year, while noting the township’s financial responsibilities would continue after the council formally approved the spending plan.

He explained that additional money would come in later, requiring future decisions as Bridgewater continues managing spending priorities beyond the adopted 2026 budget framework after approval by the council.

Ring highlights rare agreement

Councilman Timothy Ring said no budget is perfect, but he described the council’s work on the 2026 spending plan as collaborative during public discussion before the adoption vote.

After the vote, Ring noted it was the first budget in several years that no council member on the dais voted against during adoption by the township council.

Mayor credits staff preparation

Mayor Matthew Moench thanked council members and township staff, calling 2026 a unique year because the council includes split-party representation and three new members seated together at meetings.

He credited the finance team, Pappas, auditors, and staff for answering hours of questions while helping officials move through the budget process with detailed preparation work throughout public review.

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Public meetings framed the decision

The budget was introduced at the April 9 council meeting before members adopted the final 2026 spending plan during the May 7 public session after discussion and review.

Those public meetings gave residents a chance to follow budget details, proposed investments, municipal priorities, and the tax impact before final approval by council members during the process.

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What stands out more in Bridgewater, the bipartisan budget approval, or the slight tax increase residents will face? Share your thoughts.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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