NORTH BERGEN, NJ – On Wednesday, Mayor Nick Sacco and the Board of Commissioners of North Bergen ratified the township’s municipal budget. The official approval saw the municipal portion of the tax bill limited to a mere 0.76% hike, significantly below the prevailing inflation rate. When factoring in the State of New Jersey’s mandated minimum library allocation, the North Bergen Board of Education, and the County of Hudson budgets, the cumulative tax rate will rise by 2.98%.
This 0.76% municipal tax hike is a sharp drop from the initial 4.5% increase proposed in the preliminary budget. Mayor Sacco, wearing his State Senator hat, played a pivotal role in this reduction, securing an additional $10 million in state operating aid.
The new budget reflects the township’s commitment to stability and resource allocation in these economically trying times, as Mayor Sacco pointed out. The efforts of Township Administrator Janet Castro and Chief Financial Officer Robert Pittfield to allocate resources without sacrificing service quality were also highlighted. Governor Murphy and other legislative leaders received acknowledgment for their role in securing the additional $10 million aid.
The prudent financial strategy is delivering direct benefits to the residents of North Bergen. This includes the installation of advanced CCTV cameras across the township, total renovation of 46th Street Park, acquisition of new equipment such as a DPW Sewer Vactor truck, an excavator, a nine-passenger Minibus, electric zero-emission street vacuums, completion of the township fiber optic network, and a full resurfacing of West Side Avenue with $9 million in State funding.
Revenue and Finance Commissioner Claudia Rodriguez reiterated the commitment to keep property taxes stable while also investing in projects and initiatives designed to enhance the quality of life in North Bergen. Further plans include a new NBPD Mini-Precinct at the new Downtown Recreation Center and Library, continued progress on the School Reorganization Plan, and the launch of a new Junior High School campus next September.