Morris Township adopts 2026 budget with 3% municipal tax increase; capital program funded with limited debt

The Morris Township Committee voted unanimously April 22 to adopt the townships 2026 municipal budget, approving a 3% municipal tax levy increase that township officials said equals about $81 a year for the average household assessed at $600,000.

Township Administrator Tim Quinn, Chief Financial Officer Shan Ferguson and Auditor Valerie Dolan presented the budget, which the states review division approved as compliant with statutory caps. Dolan told the committee the budget complies with state budget guidelines and that the municipality had completed a three-year review required by the state.

Key numbers and drivers cited in the presentation included a roughly 31% increase in health insurance costs under the State Health Benefits Plan, pension increases (police and fire pension payments rose by roughly $114,000), salary and wage adjustments (approximately a 3% projection), and use of $6.5 million in fund balance to stabilize revenues. Officials also cited a $111 million increase in the townships ratable base that produced roughly $520,000 in additional revenue this year.

CFO Shan Ferguson outlined revenue offsets such as increased PILOT receipts, stronger investment income and growth in licenses, permits and fees. Capital spending in 2026 includes an approximately $2.8 million bond program for road maintenance, playground and sidewalk projects, a new DPW truck, and a design phase for the Green/Jean Street community center; the township said it follows a policy of tying new authorizations to amounts retired.

Ferguson said the township retained a fiscally conservative fund balance (16.4% of appropriations) to preserve credit quality and provide liquidity; officials said the township continues to hold a AAA bond rating. The presentation also listed anticipated open space trust projects totaling $278,500, including infield renovations and tree and shrub work.

After public comment (several speakers had praised the budgets stewardship and asked for detail on open-space project lists), the committee approved the budget and related tax resolution by roll-call vote.

What's next: Township staff said a user-friendly budget document and the presentation will be posted on the township website the day after adoption; capital project timelines and grant applications will proceed per the adopted capital plan.