July 21, 2025 - BLOOMFIELD, NJ - During a Town Council Meeting held on July 21, the Township of Bloomfield announced that it will amend its 2025 Municipal budget to incorporate $2 million in direct state aid. This funding will allow the Township to significantly reduce the proposed property tax increase for residents while continuing to fund essential services and critical community priorities.

The state aid was secured through the FY2026 New Jersey State Budget thanks to the efforts of District 34 legislators Senator Britnee N. Timberlake, Assemblyman Michael Venezia, and Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales in collaboration with Mayor Jenny Mundell.

During the July 21 Township Council meeting, the public hearing on the originally introduced budget was held as advertised. After the hearing was formally closed, the Council introduced a resolution to amend the budget to reflect the additional state aid.

The proposed amendment will be published on the Township website and publicly advertised in the Independent Press on July 31. A public hearing on the amended budget will be held on Monday, August 11. Following that hearing, the Council will consider a resolution to formally adopt the amended 2025 municipal budget.

The Township will use the state funding to deliver immediate relief to taxpayers by reducing the proposed municipal tax levy, cutting the average household municipal tax increase by nearly 20%, from $205 to $165 per year. This change lowers the municipal tax increase from 4.52% to 3.64%.

In addition to direct tax relief, these funds will help strengthen the Township’s financial position by restoring the Reserve for Uncollected Taxes to its established standard level. This step helps protect Bloomfield’s long-term fiscal stability and ensures the Township can meet obligations even in the event of shortfalls in property tax collections.

“This is a major win for Bloomfield families, and it shows what’s possible when local priorities are elevated by strong partners in Trenton,” said Mayor Jenny Mundell. “From the beginning, our goal was to ease the burden on residents while protecting the services they rely on most. Thanks to the advocacy of Senator Timberlake, Assemblyman Venezia, and Assemblywoman Morales, Bloomfield is achieving that balance. This is what responsible, compassionate budgeting looks like.”

The state appropriation also enables Bloomfield to advance several key community investments that were prioritized in the funding request. These include implementing a comprehensive pedestrian safety initiative, preserving public health programs impacted by federal grant losses, expanding transportation and social services for seniors, supporting youth mental health programs in public schools, and enhancing park amenities and green space throughout the Township.

“In this moment of economic uncertainty, I’m proud that we were able to deliver meaningful support for Bloomfield families,” said Senator Britnee N. Timberlake (D-34). “This investment not only cuts property taxes but also protects key services like public health, youth mental health, and senior transportation. It's proof that when local leaders bring their vision to the state level, we can get real results that meet the needs of our communities.”

“As a member of the Assembly Budget Committee and a lifelong resident of Bloomfield, I fought to make sure our town’s priorities were included in the state budget,” said Assemblyman Michael Venezia (D-34). “This $2 million appropriation is about more than numbers, it’s about improving lives, from pedestrian safety to essential senior services. I'm proud to help deliver real funding that reflects the priorities of our residents.”

Assemblywoman Carmen Theresa Morales (D-34) added, “This funding is a win for working families, for seniors, and for every Bloomfield resident who depends on community programs to stay safe, healthy, and connected. It’s also a reminder that when we lead with equity and care, the budget becomes a powerful tool to serve and uplift. I'm proud of what we’ve accomplished together.”

The Township originally introduced its 2025 budget on June 23, incorporating $2.6 million in internal savings through departmental restructuring, operational efficiencies, and other cost-saving measures. The addition of $2 million in state aid now positions Bloomfield to provide both immediate tax relief and long-term financial stability.

Residents can review the introduced budget at: https://tinyurl.com/Bloomfield-NJ-Budget-and-DOCS. The proposed budget amendment will be added to the site once it becomes available.