Your Tax Dollars at Work
CY2026 Adopted Municipal Budget
Protecting Essential Services. Investing Responsibly. Planning for Perth Amboy's Future.
Following a public hearing, the Perth Amboy City Council adopted the
Calendar Year 2026 Municipal Budget on August 12, 2026.
The adopted $102.2 million municipal budget maintains
essential municipal services while supporting public safety, infrastructure,
parks and recreation, senior and community services, technology,
cybersecurity, and the City's long-term financial stability.
In developing the budget, the Administration reviewed departmental spending,
prioritized essential services, pursued outside and recurring revenues, and
reduced the City's reliance on one-time surplus funding.
CY2026 Municipal Budget Adopted
The Perth Amboy City Council conducted the required public hearing and
adopted the CY2026 Municipal Budget on August 12, 2026.
Residents may review the adopted budget and supporting financial documents
through the City of Perth Amboy Finance Office.
A Message from Mayor Helmin J. Caba
2026 Municipal Budget
Following the adoption of the 2026 Municipal Budget, Mayor Helmin J. Caba
shares what the budget means for residents, what their municipal tax dollars
support, and how the City will continue investing in public safety,
infrastructure, neighborhoods, technology, and essential services.
The message also addresses the financial pressures affecting the City and
local households, the estimated taxpayer impact, the results of recent City
investments, and the Administration's commitment to transparency and
responsible financial management.
Read the Mayor's Budget Message
Available in English and Spanish.
CY2026 Budget Presentation
The July 15, 2026 budget presentation provides an overview of the municipal
budget, including revenues, expenditures, major cost drivers, taxpayer impact,
municipal services, and long-term investments.
View the CY2026 Budget Presentation
Investing in Perth Amboy
The adopted budget continues support for the services and investments
residents rely on every day, including:
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Public Safety: Police, Fire, Emergency Management,
staffing, training, equipment, technology, and community safety initiatives
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Infrastructure: Roads, water infrastructure,
municipal facilities, and neighborhood improvements
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Quality of Life: Parks, recreation, library,
senior services, and community programs
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Technology and Cybersecurity: Modernizing municipal
operations and protecting City systems
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Future Growth: Redevelopment, economic development,
business investment, and expansion of the City's tax base
Your Tax Dollars at Work
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More than 100 streets paved since 2021
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At least 35 additional streets scheduled for paving
through the end of 2026
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Six parks created or improved
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More than 200 new parking spaces created
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More than 300 acres of formerly contaminated land
remediated
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More than $5 million invested in the Perth Amboy
Free Public Library
Strengthening the City's Financial Position
Like families and businesses throughout Perth Amboy, the City is facing
higher costs for utilities, healthcare, pensions, technology, and everyday
operations.
The adopted budget includes an increase of approximately
4.587% in the municipal tax levy. For a home with the
average assessed value, this represents an estimated increase of approximately
$213 for the year, or $17.77 per month.
The adopted budget also advances the City's effort to reduce reliance on
one-time revenues. Surplus used to support the municipal budget decreases
from approximately $10.7 million in 2025 to $6.3 million in
2026, a reduction of approximately $4.3 million.
The municipal portion represents approximately 37% of the projected
overall increase in the average property tax bill. The remaining
portions are attributable to other taxing entities, including the school
district, Middlesex County, the library, and County Open Space.
Budget Transparency
Throughout the budget process, the City provided detailed information to
the City Council and the public, including the major cost drivers, taxpayer
impact, departmental operations, accomplishments, challenges, and priorities.
Residents deserve to understand where their tax dollars go, what those
dollars support, and what they are accomplishing for the community.
CY2026 Departmental Budget Hearings
On July 28, 2026, the City conducted public departmental budget hearings
to provide residents and the City Council with additional information about
municipal operations, accomplishments, service demands, budget needs, and
departmental priorities.
The combined presentation includes an administrative overview and
presentations from the following departments:
- Fire
- Police
- Code Enforcement
- Human Services
- Public Works
This presentation reflects information provided during the development and
public review of the proposed CY2026 budget. The
CY2026 Adopted Municipal Budget remains the City's official
and controlling budget document.
View the Departmental Budget Hearing Presentation
The Work Ahead
Adopting the budget is not the end of the City's work. The budget provides
the foundation for continued investments in public safety, neighborhoods,
infrastructure, technology, and essential municipal services.
The City will continue pursuing outside funding and identifying opportunities
to operate more efficiently and responsibly while planning for Perth Amboy's
long-term future.
Review the CY2026 Budget Documents
Residents are encouraged to review the adopted budget and supporting
financial documents.
View All CY2026 Budget Documents
View Budget Presentation
Available budget materials include:
- CY2026 Adopted Municipal Budget
- CY2026 User-Friendly Budget
- CY2026 Budget Presentation
- CY2026 Departmental Budget Hearing Presentation
- Mayor Helmin J. Caba's 2026 Municipal Budget Message
Related Coverage
TAPinto Raritan Bay recently reported on the City Council's adoption
of the CY2026 Municipal Budget.
Read the TAPinto Article