MONTVALE, N.J. (May 9, 2025) — Montvale’s Borough Council unanimously approved nearly $2 million in bonds on April 29 to fund capital improvements including a new ambulance, police vehicles, road resurfacing, and public safety equipment. The council also adopted a $23.6 million municipal budget with a 2.87% tax increase.
Bonds Fund Safety, Road, and Recreation Upgrades
Borough Administrator Joseph Voytus said the new ambulance will likely be co-funded by the Tri-Boro Volunteer Ambulance Service, which serves Montvale, Park Ridge, and Woodcliff Lake.
“Negotiations are underway with the towns and Tri-Boro,” Voytus told Pascack Press.
The council appropriated $1,840,300 for various improvements, of which $1,779,200 will be covered by bond issuance. The tax impact on the average assessed Montvale home—valued at $549,604—was not immediately available.
Projects funded through the bond include:
- $400,000 for a new ambulance and related costs
- $70,000 for closing an underground storage tank (Building & Grounds)
- $216,000 for renovations to the Memorial Drive complex, including synthetic turf
- $200,000 for a snowplow-equipped DPW truck
- $364,000 for resurfacing Woodland Road
- $241,000 for resurfacing Paragon Drive
Grant reimbursements include $84,277 from a county Open Space grant for field renovations, $186,939 from NJDOT for Woodland Road, and $209,055 from NJDOT for Paragon Drive.
Public Safety Equipment Upgrades
The fire department will receive:
- $70,000 for mobile and portable radios
- $32,000 for thermal imaging cameras
- $64,000 for self-contained breathing apparatus and PPE
The police department will receive:
- $17,900 for in-vehicle computers and routers
- $28,400 for automatic license plate readers
- $22,000 for fitness equipment
$23.6 Million Budget Includes $95 Tax Increase
The council also adopted the 2025–2026 municipal budget of $23,600,695, with a 2.87% increase in municipal taxes. This equates to a $94.49 increase for the average assessed home.
Council President Timothy Lane, who presented the budget, said Montvale’s tax increase remains below inflation. He noted that the average home value has increased $55,000 over the past year and $240,000—38%—over the past five years.
Lane said that increase reflects the borough’s investments in safety, recreation, and infrastructure.
He presented a breakdown of “where your tax dollar goes,” using a $100 illustration:
- $24.31 to municipal taxes
- $0.59 to municipal open space
- $1.63 to the public library
- $61.90 to schools ($34.70 local; $27.20 regional)
- $11.08 to county taxes
“This budget represents a balance between necessary fiscal restraint and long-term investment in the community that our residents deserve,” Lane said.
DePiero Farm Property Still in Use
Officials confirmed that the 8.4-acre DePiero farm property, purchased by Montvale last year for $5 million, is still being actively farmed by the DePiero family. That arrangement is expected to end in August 2025.
Mayor Mike Ghassali has said portions of the land will be leased to local farmers, with sections devoted to community gardens and a pick-your-own strawberry farm for residents.