Raritan Township Committee Adopts 2026 Municipal Budget Focused on Fiscal Stewardship and Public Safety

RARITAN TOWNSHIP, NJ - The Raritan Township Committee voted unanimously on May 5, 2026 to adopt a municipal budget that prioritizes public safety while maintaining a firm commitment to fiscal discipline. The spending plan follows a rigorous review process where officials scrutinized every line item to identify efficiencies in the face of significant external cost pressures.

The township was forced to navigate several unavoidable financial challenges this year, most notably an unprecedented 39 percent increase in healthcare premiums. Additionally, an exceptionally snowy winter required funding which far exceeded standard annual expectations to keep roads open and safe.

To mitigate these costs, the administration worked to keep spending of several departments flat or reduced compared to 2025. These efforts resulted in a 5.58 percent adjustment to the municipal tax levy, marking the lowest percentage adjustment the township has seen in four years. For a home assessed at an average of $407,804, the adjustment equates to a monthly impact of $7.84.

Mayor Brad Perry emphasized that the township remains a faithful steward of taxpayers’ dollars. He further noted that the municipal government only manages 13.7 percent of a resident's total property tax bill, while the remaining 86 percent is directed toward local schools and Hunterdon County.

“This budget is a testament to the hard work of our entire municipal team and my pledge to treat every tax dollar as my own”, Perry stated.

A primary focus of the 2026 plan is the continued investment in public safety, specifically the needs of the fire department. The budget includes a 1.71-million-dollar bond for a new ladder truck to replace an aging 2003 vehicle that has spent significant time out of service for repairs.

“Having served on the 100 percent volunteer fire department in Raritan Township and elsewhere, I know firsthand that we cannot compromise on the equipment that protects our families or our first responders”, said Perry.

The township also continues to be aggressive in securing outside funding to offset local costs. Recent successes include $650,000 in NJDOT grants for the reconstruction of a section of Reaville Avenue and $154,000 for installing sidewalk on Walter Foran Boulevard; both projects are due to be completed this year. Furthermore, the township secured a 1 million dollar grant specifically for improvements at Lenape Park as well as several other grants for improvements at Blackwell and Mine Brook parks.

By leveraging grants and implementing disciplined internal cuts, officials stated that the township is building a strong financial position to protect its credit rating and ensure long-term stability.

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