BRICK – Mayor Lisa Crate introduced the 2026 proposed municipal budget during the most recent Township Council Meeting.
“As always, our goal is pretty straightforward: manage things responsibly, keep our finances in check, and make sure we’re delivering the services our residents rely on every single day,” she said.
The $126,243,931 spending plan shows an increase of 2.8 percent over last year’s budget, and an increase of 3.2 cents for the municipal portion of the tax. The 2025 municipal budget totaled approximately $122.7 million.
For the average home in Brick, the increase averages out to $98 a year.
“We understand that any increase matters, and this wasn’t taken lightly,” the mayor said. “Like everyone else, we are dealing with rising costs. Fuel, electricity, natural gas, utility expenses – across the board – are up, and that impacts nearly every part of our operations.”
She said the administration tried hard to keep spending growth steady and predictable while continuing to fund the township’s core services.
The average annual increase over the last ten budgets has been just over 2 percent, while the ten budgets before those averaged 5.6 percent yearly, she added.
The 2026 Municipal Budget represents about 30 percent of the total tax bill. The remaining 70 percent is determined by the Board of Education, the County and the local fire district.
The municipal portion supports the township police department, including dispatchers and EMTs, which account for one out of every four dollars in the spending plan.
The most significant increases are in health insurance, up some $2.1 million for township employees, and a 20 percent rate hike approved by New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, increases which the mayor said “is beyond our control.”
The budget includes support for Senior Services and the Senior Center. Some of the services offered are the senior shuttle, which provides transportation to seniors, and transportation for dialysis treatments.
“Recreation remains a priority as well,” the mayor said. “This budget keeps our parks in great shape and supports the programs and events that bring the community together, like the Farmers Market and Summerfest, which are very popular with all our residents.”
Mayor Crate said the budget includes a significant amount of funding for local roadway improvements, including upgrades in Lions Head South, Herbertsville Estates, parts of Riviera Beach, Midstreams, sections of Greenbriar, Metedeconk, Highland Point, Cedarcroft and Mallard Point.
Funding for some critical infrastructure needs is part of the municipal budget, including drainage improvements for Elm Court and Elm Lane, and a culvert repair for Godfrey Lake.
Road elevations are planned for “Snake” Road (which includes portions of Mandalay Road, Pilot Drive, Holley Avenue and Knoll Crest Avenue) and Ward Drive. The budget includes pedestrian safety improvements for Princeton Avenue and Herbertsville Road.
“We conducted a thorough review of every line in the budget, and made difficult decisions,” Mayor Crate said. “There is very little in this budget that can be considered optional spending.”
The township is continuing the effort to cut long-term debt, having reduced it from $168 million to $119 million since 2014 when John Ducey became mayor.
A public hearing on the budget will be held during the council meeting scheduled for April 28 at 7 p.m.
