Review Of Wayne's 2024 Budget Scheduled At Special Council Meeting

WAYNE, NJ — The Wayne Township Council will have a special meeting on Wednesday to discuss the 2024 municipal budget, which covers salaries and benefits for employees, capital improvements, and more.

This is the first official introduction of the budget, and council members will not take any action on the spending plan. Residents will have several opportunities to comment on the budget, including a to-be-announced public hearing, before town officials approve it.

Last year's $94.5 million municipal budget featured the largest tax increase in 15 years, which increased taxes on the average assessed Wayne home by about $130 annually. Mayor Christopher Vergano and other officials cited rising inflation and costs as driving forces behind the tax hike.

The Wayne Township Board of Education is also in the process of finalizing the district budget for the upcoming 2024/25 school year, which includes a property tax increase. Trustees approved a preliminary spending plan of $190.8 million for the 2024-25 school year, which residents can comment on at the board’s May 2 meeting