BRIDGEWATER 2021 BUDGET UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED;
MUNICIPAL TAX RATE REMAINS FLAT

Bridgewater, NJ – The Bridgewater Township Council unanimously approved the 2021 budget as proposed by Mayor Matthew Moench and the Township Administration at tonight’s Council meeting.

“With the economic effects of the pandemic still impacting our residents and the Township’s finances, I am proud that we, collectively, were able to kept the municipal tax rate flat and fund a multitude of priorities and programs to benefit our residents,” said Mayor Moench said. “Much of the credit for this success is due to the diligent members of the Council Finance Committee, Council President Filipe Pedroso and Councilman Howard Norgalis. They, along with the balance of the Township Council take their responsibility as the stewards of public funds extremely seriously and it was an honor to collaborate with all of these dedicated public servants. I would also like to thank the Township’s financial staff, especially Administrator Mike Pappas. They worked relentlessly to balance an array of competing concerns while also protecting our residents. I believe that work has paid off for our residents.”

The municipal purpose tax rate will remain level in in 2021 at .238–exactly what the rate was in 2020. Although Bridgewater Township collects the entirely of resident’s property tax bills, only a fraction—approximately 11%—of each resident’s property tax bill is earmarked for use by the municipality. Approximately 68% of it goes to the Board of Education, while Somerset County accounts for another 19%. The remainder is devoted to the Fire Districts.

Council President Filipe Pedroso added, “We are guardians of the public trust. I won’t vote for a budget that manages taxpayer funds irresponsibly or inefficiently, and this budget passes that test. I’m thrilled that we were able to keep the tax rate flat while also funding all the programs necessary for our residents. I would like to thank the Mayor and Administration for their partnership in a challenging budget year.”

“The Bridgewater 2021 budget process has been a very difficult one. In many ways one of most difficult in my career as a Councilman,” said Councilman Howard Norgalis. “Putting that aside I am confident that the one we present tonight is a fair balance to our residents, employees and other stakeholders. A “zero” budget in light of the unprecedented health and financial constraints we have experienced over the last year would have seemed almost impossible just a few months ago. I credit the collegial working relationship, and more importantly the trust between Council, Mayor and Administrator that made the budget process open, transparent and, in my view, successful.

The budget was introduced by the Administration at the June 21st Council meeting. It was open for public comment and passed unanimously by the Township Council at their meeting tonight.