See How 2025 Stafford Budget Will Impact Your Taxes

STAFFORD, NJ — Residents can expect to see a slight bump in their taxes in the upcoming year, though township officials said they worked hard to incorporate cost-saving measures in the 2025 municipal budget.

Costs have risen in nearly all aspects, Township Administrator Matthew von der Hayden said in an almost two-hour long presentation introducing the $60 million budget. He noted the rising costs in utilities that Stafford residents have been experiencing.

"Those utility costs also affect the township," von der Hayden said. "So, our electric bills go up. Oil costs go up. Gas costs go up. That all affects us."

The budget has a tax rate of 96.2 cents per $100 of assessed value. That means the average home, assessed at $296,470, will see an extra $50.40 on their annual tax bill.

Stafford managed to save money on this year's budget by switching employee health care coverage, von der Hayden said. The township also saved money through partnerships with the county government, nonprofits and more, he said.

Township Council unanimously approved the budget following von der Hayden's presentation. It will have a public hearing and final vote at the May 6 meeting.