Kearny, New Jersey Development News

Kearny Council Adopts 2026 Budget with 14% Tax Increase Amidst Fiscal Concerns

The Town Council of Kearny adopted the 2026 amended municipal budget after extensive public discussion regarding the 14% tax levy increase. The budget, totaling $99 million, aims to address significant increases in fixed costs such as health benefits and Passaic Valley sewage costs, which constitute two-thirds of the appropriation tax increase. Despite efforts to cut departmental expenses, the council determined that the tax increase was necessary to avoid significant service cuts and personnel layoffs, and to rebuild the town's surplus. Several council members expressed reservations about the magnitude of the increase and the lack of a long-term financial plan, while others emphasized the necessity of the increase due to uncontrollable external factors and past fiscal policies. The budget passed with a 6-3 vote (Aye: Castro, Esposito, Theodoropoulos, Rodriguez, Mayor Doyle; Nay: Beckow, Zapata, Solano).