City of New Brunswick, NJ

04/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 08:50

A Look at the 2024 Proposed Budget



NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ (April 30, 2024) - Mayor Jim Cahill has submitted a proposed 2024 budget to the City Council. The $111.7 million spending plan would require only $39.7 million from City property taxpayers; the remainder is funded through outside sources.

The budget maintains all of the city's regular municipal services expanded over the years. In addition, the budget calls for:

  • The hiring of 13 police officers, three of whom would come on board this summer and 10 would enter the police academy in August.
  • Outfitting firefighters with additional safety equipment.
  • Expanding programming for residents in recreation, the Teen Center, and the Senior Center.
  • Adding $4.5 million in health care insurance obligations, reflecting a return to pre-COVID like numbers.
  • Continuing the park improvement program with the start of construction of Liberty Square park, the complete renovation of Alec E. Baker Park, and replacement/resurfacing of hard playing courts, installation of new playground equipment and new pickleball courts at various parks.
  • Funding the historic renovation of the iconic brick façade of Engine Company 5 located at 75 Bartlett St.
  • Supporting interior improvements and repairs at the Free Public Library, including its elevator and HVAC system.
  • Replacing three miles of water mains.
New to the City budget is a Stormwater Utility to combat unprecedented flooding that threatens lives and properties. The utility will develop a long-term Stormwater Capital Improvement Master Plan, address repair needs, reduce litter and pollution in the City's waterways, and provide additional resources to address flooding on private and public property.

The Stormwater Utility will place a fee on public and private properties based on the amount of stormwater runoff that drains to the City's stormwater management systems.

Historically, funds were drawn from property taxes on private property and not based on the amount of stormwater runoff a property discharges to the City. It is anticipated that the Stormwater Utility will generate approximately $1.5 million from property owners. Funds will be restricted to stormwater management.

A tax rate increase has been proposed for this budget, resulting in an annual increase of $92.76 for the average property owner, with assessments of $263,194.51.

The full text of the Mayor's proposed budget letter is available here.