Howell Township, NJ — Residents face a proposed tax increase as township officials introduced a $67.4 million municipal budget Tuesday night while fielding public complaints about zoning enforcement and neighborhood development.
The governing body formally introduced the 2026 budget, which calls for a 4.99% increase in the tax levy, translating to about $76 more per year per $100,000 of assessed value for the average homeowner, according to township officials during the meeting.
Budget increase and staffing changes take center stage
Township Chief Financial Officer Louis Palazzo told the council the proposed budget rises by roughly $3.1 million over last year, driven largely by fixed costs such as salaries, health benefits, and insurance.
Mayor John Leggio defended the increase, arguing the township is operating with lean staffing levels and cannot delay financial adjustments without creating larger tax hikes in future years.
“This budget was worked on very hard,” Leggio said, warning against past practices of keeping taxes flat during election cycles only to force steeper increases later.
Officials emphasized that the municipal portion accounts for about 16% of total property taxes, with the remainder going to schools, county government, fire districts, and open space.
The plan also includes funding to fill 17 vacant positions across departments, which officials said are replacements rather than new hires.
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Key Points
• Howell introduces $67.4M budget with ~5% tax levy increase
• Average homeowner would pay about $76 more annually
• Officials plan to fill 17 vacant municipal positions
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Residents press council on zoning, development issues
Public comment revealed growing frustration among residents over land use enforcement and rapid neighborhood changes.
One resident detailed a dispute involving construction at a Lexington Road property, alleging work proceeded without proper permits and later revealed plans for a religious bath facility.
Township officials declined to comment on the specific case, noting it is scheduled to go before the zoning board.
“We have to be very careful on how we handle things,” Leggio said, adding that enforcement actions must follow legal processes.
Other residents raised concerns about what they described as aggressive real estate solicitation and shifting community dynamics in neighborhoods like Candlewood and Heritage Point.
Town officials said solicitors must be licensed and encouraged residents to report violations so enforcement officers can respond in real time.
Township seeks legal guidance on housing and religious use
Officials acknowledged broader concerns about houses of worship and zoning compliance, saying they have contacted both the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice for guidance.
Township Manager Joseph Gross said the goal is to clarify what local governments can legally enforce in cases involving religious land use.
“We’ve written to the attorney general’s office as well as the DOJ… to get their guidance on what we can enforce,” Gross said during the meeting .
Environmental initiatives and community recognitions highlighted
Earlier in the meeting, the council issued several proclamations, including recognition of Arbor Day and a mayor’s monarch butterfly pledge aimed at expanding pollinator habitats.
Environmental officials also announced Howell achieved its 27th year as a Tree City USA community and secured grants, including a $20,000 PSEG award for stormwater improvements.
Additionally, two Howell cheer teams were recognized for winning national championships in Orlando.
What happens next
The proposed budget will be advertised publicly and is scheduled for a hearing and possible adoption on May 12.
Officials encouraged residents to review the full budget online and submit questions ahead of the vote.
The next council meeting is set for April 28, where additional public discussion is expected as the budget moves forward.
The budget remains in the introduction phase and has not yet been adopted.
Keywords: Howell Township budget 2026, property taxes Howell NJ, zoning enforcement Howell Township
