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Cherry Hill Property Taxes Spike, Homeowners Concerned

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. l-property-taxes-spike-homeowners-concerned.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 18:04 GMT by Patch
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

CHERRY HILL, NJ - February 16th, 2026 - Cherry Hill homeowners are grappling with a noticeable increase in their property tax bills this year, sparking concern and prompting questions about the contributing factors. The average homeowner is now facing an annual property tax burden of approximately $12,500, a significant figure that breaks down into municipal, county, and - crucially - school taxes. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation, exploring the reasons behind the increase, the township's financial position, and available resources for residents.

The Numbers: A Detailed Breakdown

The $12,500 average represents a considerable expense for many families. A closer look reveals the allocation of these funds:

• Municipal Taxes: $3,000 (Approximately 24% of the total)
• County Taxes: $1,200 (Approximately 9.6% of the total)
• School Taxes: $8,300 (Approximately 66.4% of the total)

As the figures demonstrate, the largest portion of property taxes goes towards funding the local school district. This highlights the critical link between school budgets and the overall property tax burden for residents. While municipal and county taxes contribute significantly, the school tax component drives the majority of the recent increase.

The Reassessment Factor: A Shifting Landscape The primary catalyst for the changes in property tax bills is the recent township-wide reassessment conducted by the Camden County Assessor's Office. Reassessments are undertaken periodically to ensure that property values accurately reflect market conditions. While intended to create a fairer system, reassessments often result in shifts in tax burdens as properties are re-evaluated and assigned new values. Homes that have appreciated significantly in value will naturally see a corresponding increase in their tax obligations.

"The reassessment wasn't aimed at raising taxes, but rather at accurately reflecting current property values," explains a spokesperson from the Camden County Assessor's Office. "When market values increase, tax bills will likely increase as well, unless offsetting measures are taken at the municipal or school level."

School Budget Pressures: The Driving Force The more substantial contributor to the tax hike, however, is the marked increase in the school district's budget. Rising costs associated with essential services like teacher salaries, special education programs, and increasingly expensive capital improvements have put considerable strain on the district's finances. The school board cited a growing student population and the need to maintain high-quality educational standards as key drivers of the budget increase.

Despite a slight reduction in the municipal budget, the gains were insufficient to mitigate the impact of the growing school tax levy. This underscores the challenge for local governments in balancing the need for essential services with the desire to keep property taxes affordable.

Township's Response and Financial Outlook

Cherry Hill officials acknowledge the hardship that rising property taxes present to residents. Mayor Susan Barrett, speaking at a recent town hall meeting, emphasized the township's commitment to fiscal responsibility. "We are dedicated to exploring every avenue to control costs and minimize the financial burden on our taxpayers," she stated. The township points to its strong credit rating as evidence of sound financial management.

However, officials also emphasize the limited tools available to them. With a significant portion of tax revenue earmarked for the school district, the township's ability to directly influence property tax levels is constrained. Discussions are ongoing regarding potential shared services agreements with neighboring municipalities and exploring alternative revenue streams.

Resources and Relief Programs

Cherry Hill residents concerned about their property tax bills are encouraged to utilize the following resources:

• Camden County Assessor's Office: ([ https://www.camden-county.com/assessor/ ]) - Provides information on property assessments and the appeal process.
• Cherry Hill Township Website: ([ https://www.cherryhill-nj.gov/ ]) - Offers details on municipal services and the local budget.
• Property Tax Relief Programs: The township provides programs for eligible senior citizens and disabled individuals. Details and application forms are available on the township website.

Looking Ahead: A Need for Long-Term Solutions The current situation highlights the ongoing challenges of funding public services through property taxes. While the township is actively exploring cost-saving measures, a long-term solution may require a broader conversation about alternative funding models and state-level reforms to address the systemic pressures on local property taxes. Residents are encouraged to participate in town hall meetings and engage with their elected officials to voice their concerns and contribute to the ongoing dialogue.