N※N

Livingston Faces Tax Hike, New School Board, ICE Tunnel Updates

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. ax-hike-new-school-board-ice-tunnel-updates.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 5:06 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

LIVINGSTON, NJ - February 20th, 2026 - Residents of Livingston are facing a familiar combination of challenges and progress as the township navigates a slight increase in property taxes, welcomes new leadership to the Board of Education, and contends with the ongoing complexities of the Infrastructure for Commuter Enhancement (ICE) Train Tunnel project. This report details each of these key areas, offering a comprehensive overview for local residents.

Property Tax Adjustments Reflect School Budget Demands

Livingston homeowners will see a modest increase in their property tax bills for 2026. While officials have stressed efforts to minimize the impact on taxpayers, the primary factor driving the increase is the growing demands of the school budget. The Livingston Public Schools district, consistently ranked among the top in the state, is facing escalating costs associated with maintaining its high standards. These include rising teacher salaries, investments in updated technology and curriculum, and the need to address increasing enrollment in certain grade levels.

"We understand the burden property taxes place on our residents," stated Mayor John Smith in a recent town hall meeting. "We've worked diligently to streamline municipal operations and identify cost savings wherever possible. However, we also recognize the vital importance of investing in our children's education. Striking that balance is always our top priority." The township has initiated several initiatives to offset tax increases, including aggressive pursuit of state aid and exploring shared services agreements with neighboring municipalities. Details of the finalized tax rate and individual homeowner impact are available on the Livingston Township website.

New Faces on the Board of Education

The recent election for the Livingston Board of Education has concluded, with preliminary results indicating a victory for [Candidate A] and [Candidate B]. [Candidate A], a long-time resident and advocate for enhanced STEM education, ran on a platform of modernizing classroom technology and expanding access to advanced placement courses. [Candidate B], a parent of three children in the district, focused her campaign on improving special education services and fostering greater communication between the school board and the community.

Official certification of the results is pending, but the anticipated appointment of these new members signals a potential shift in priorities for the Board. Key issues expected to be addressed during their tenure include the implementation of the new state science standards, the ongoing debate over school calendar reform, and continued efforts to address student mental health concerns. The new board members are expected to be sworn in at the March meeting of the Board of Education.

ICE Train Tunnel Project: Progress and Persistent Disruptions

The ambitious ICE Train Tunnel project, designed to significantly improve commuter rail service between New Jersey and New York, continues to move forward, albeit with ongoing challenges. Recent construction updates reveal that the installation of the first set of pre-fabricated tunnel sections beneath the Passaic River is complete. This marks a major milestone in the project, representing a significant engineering achievement. However, the project has also experienced delays due to unforeseen geological conditions and supply chain disruptions.

Specifically, the discovery of unstable bedrock in a section of the tunnel route required extensive remediation work, pushing back the anticipated completion date by approximately three months. Commuters should expect continued disruptions to NJ Transit service throughout 2026 as construction progresses. The project team is working to minimize the impact on travelers, offering alternative transportation options and providing regular updates on service changes via the NJ Transit website and social media channels.

According to project spokesperson Sarah Chen, "We understand the inconvenience these disruptions cause, and we are committed to completing this vital infrastructure project as quickly and safely as possible. The long-term benefits - increased capacity, improved reliability, and reduced delays - will far outweigh the short-term challenges." The completed tunnel is projected to increase peak-hour train capacity by 50%, alleviating congestion and improving the overall commuter experience.

Livingston residents are encouraged to stay informed about these critical issues by visiting the township website ([hypothetical website address]), attending town hall meetings, and monitoring local news sources. Patch will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of these and other important developments in Livingston.