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Moorestown Property Taxes Surge, Residents Concerned

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  Published in Politics and Government on Thursday, February 12th 2026 at 9:10 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

MOORESTOWN, NJ - February 12, 2026 - Moorestown homeowners are grappling with a noticeable increase in their property tax bills this year, prompting questions about the underlying causes. The township recently announced a property tax rate of $1.144 per $100 of assessed value, a 3.1% jump from the $1.108 rate seen in 2025. This translates to an approximate $232 increase in the average annual tax bill, raising concerns amongst residents about affordability and responsible spending.

While a small increase may seem negligible to some, the cumulative effect of annual rises can significantly impact household budgets, particularly for fixed-income residents and those already struggling with the rising cost of living. Understanding the factors driving this increase is crucial for informed civic engagement and holding local officials accountable.

A Multifaceted Problem: Schools, Debt, and Assessments

The township has identified several key contributors to the tax hike. The most substantial factor is a significant increase in the Moorestown School District's budget. This year's school budget totals $118.1 million, a $4.3 million increase over the previous year. School officials attribute this rise to escalating costs within three primary areas: special education services, employee salaries, and student transportation. The demand for specialized educational programs continues to grow, requiring additional resources and trained personnel. Furthermore, competitive salaries are essential to attract and retain qualified teachers and staff, particularly in a region facing a potential educator shortage. Finally, rising fuel costs and the need for updated transportation infrastructure are driving up transportation expenses.

Beyond school funding, Moorestown's debt service has also seen a substantial increase of $2.7 million. This stems from the repayment of bonds issued to finance various capital projects designed to improve the township's infrastructure and school facilities. While these projects - including school renovations, road repairs, and improvements to public parks - are intended to enhance the quality of life for residents, the associated debt carries a financial burden that ultimately falls on property taxpayers. It's a common challenge for municipalities balancing long-term investment with immediate affordability.

Adding to the complexity, property assessments within Moorestown have also risen. These assessments, conducted periodically by the county, reflect changes in the market value of properties. An increase in assessments means a larger tax base, but also higher individual tax liabilities, even if the tax rate remained constant. The interplay between assessment values and the tax rate is a key aspect often misunderstood by taxpayers.

Township Budget & Spending Priorities

The township's budget itself also experienced a $1.8 million increase, bringing the total to $38.7 million. This growth is primarily attributed to rising operational costs in critical areas such as public safety (police and fire services), public works (road maintenance, sanitation), and recreation programs. While these services are essential for maintaining a safe and vibrant community, increased expenses necessitate careful budgetary scrutiny.

Looking Ahead: Public Engagement and Fiscal Responsibility

The Moorestown Township Committee has scheduled a public hearing on the budget for March 8th at 7 p.m., providing residents with a platform to voice their concerns and ask questions. Mayor Maureen Brennan has acknowledged the financial burden of property tax increases and pledged the committee's commitment to keeping taxes as low as possible while maintaining essential services.

However, simply promising lower taxes isn't enough. The committee faces a complex challenge: balancing the needs of a growing community with the financial realities of rising costs. Potential avenues for exploration include identifying areas for increased efficiency within township departments, pursuing grant funding for capital projects to reduce reliance on bonding, and conducting a comprehensive review of existing programs to ensure they are delivering maximum value to residents. Furthermore, fostering a collaborative dialogue with the school district to explore shared services and cost-saving initiatives could yield positive results.

The long-term fiscal health of Moorestown depends not only on responsible spending but also on proactive planning and transparent communication with the community. Residents are encouraged to attend the public hearing, stay informed about budget deliberations, and actively participate in shaping the future of their town.