HILLSDALE—Residents can expect to pay about $526 more in property taxes next year under proposed school and municipal budgets now under review.
The Board of Education projects a total school tax increase of $372.96 for the average home, which includes the first wave of borrowing toward a $62.4 million school renovation referendum. Meanwhile, the municipal budget under consideration carries a 4.9% increase, or about $153.50, for the average assessed home of $476,110.
The school budget supports Hillsdale’s three schools—George White Middle School, Meadowbrook Elementary, and Ann Blanche Smith Elementary—and includes the cost of bonding approximately $15 million for long-planned renovations at George White.
At its March 11 meeting, the school board approved a preliminary $30.66 million budget, with a general fund tax levy of $25.45 million—a 3.49% increase over last year, or $858,390, officials said. The budget was sent to the Executive County Superintendent of Schools for approval.
Business Administrator Sacha Pouliot said the $372.96 total increase for the average home includes:
- $246.48 from the operating budget
- $126.48 from the referendum-related bond
Pouliot said this breaks down to $20.54 per month for the general tax levy and $10.54 per month for bond repayment. He noted the 3.49% increase accounts for cost drivers including enrollment adjustments, health benefit costs, and state-mandated Chapter 44 adjustments.
The $15 million bond is the first installment of the September 2023 referendum, and work has already begun. Temporary modular classrooms are being installed across from George White for grades six through eight to use starting September 2025, with final renovations expected by September 2027.
A public hearing on the school budget is scheduled for April 24 at 6 p.m.
Municipal Budget: Public Hearing May 6
Meanwhile, the proposed 2025 municipal budget includes a 4.55% increase in the tax levy, according to a March 11 presentation. Revenues are projected to decline by 1.8%, or $323,000, from last year.
Borough Administrator Mike Ghassali told Pascack Press that the average taxpayer would see a $153.50 increase under the proposal, which also incorporates a state-mandated library tax.
The budget was introduced unanimously and is posted on the borough website under Departments > Finance > Budget Reports. A public hearing is set for the May 6 council meeting at 7 p.m.
In mid-March, the council also approved a $5.8 million upgrade to Memorial Field at no additional taxpayer cost. That project includes a $4.6 million bond and a $1.2 million down payment, both funded by the borough’s Field Improvement Fund. The fund was established with a 5% tax increase approved in 2021 to support long-term recreational improvements.