Politics & Government

Town Budget Advances In West Orange, Tax Hike Shrinks (See Updated Numbers)

Here are the projected municipal, school and county tax increases for an average home in West Orange.

The West Orange Township Council voted to introduce the 2025 municipal budget at their meeting on July 22.
The West Orange Township Council voted to introduce the 2025 municipal budget at their meeting on July 22. (Township of West Orange)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The march towards a new town budget continues in West Orange.

The West Orange Township Council voted to introduce the 2025 municipal budget at their meeting on Tuesday. There will be a public hearing and a final vote before the spending plan crosses the finish line.

Property taxes in New Jersey are mainly composed of three parts: municipal, school and county.

Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

According to data presented at the meeting, there is currently an $80 municipal tax increase in the proposed town budget for an average home assessed at $615,472.

Town officials have noted that the municipal increase previously stood at $243 in April. However, “revised looks at revenue” and “a lot of cuts” have whittled that number down.

Find out what's happening in West Orangefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Another budget workshop is scheduled for Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m. It will take place via Zoom and in person at the council chambers at Town Hall, 66 Main Street. No public comment will be heard. Learn more and see login info here.

A public hearing for the municipal budget is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Sept. 30 in the council chambers at Town Hall, 66 Main Street.

OTHER TAXES

According to numbers presented at Tuesday’s council meeting, the school district’s tax levy increase for an average home is $263, and the estimated county tax increase is $45.

Other projected tax levy increases include:

  • Library - $18
  • County open space - $8
  • Municipal open space – no increase

Watch footage from the July 22 town council meeting below (video is cued to the budget introduction):

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