The Hopewell Township Committee on Monday unanimously approved a 2025 municipal budget that lowers the township’s tax levy by 0.7%.
While the reduction equates to a modest savings of a few dollars for the average homeowner, township officials emphasized the broader fiscal significance, saying the budget effectively holds the line on inflation for residents.
Finance Director Julie Troutman reminded residents that municipal taxes account for just 14% of the average household property tax bill. The remainder is driven by school taxes (57%) and county taxes (24%), with smaller amounts allocated to the fire district and open space.
Committee member Kevin Kuchinski credited revenue from PILOT agreements, cannabis taxes, cell tower fees, and shared services with helping to balance the budget. He also highlighted the importance of grant funding, which enabled the township to expand services without raising taxes.
Since the adoption of the 2024 budget, Hopewell Township has secured nearly $800,000 in grant funding for services including ambulance operations, public health programs, and spotted lanternfly control. This year’s budget includes over $535,000 in grant money—primarily from the New Jersey Department of Transportation—for road repairs, with more funding anticipated later in the year.
“These grants are very important for balancing our budget,” Kuchinski said. “We are working very hard to bring more dollars to Hopewell.”
Investing in Staff and Infrastructure
The most significant increase in the operating budget is a $600,000 rise in employee benefits, largely due to higher health-care costs. Public Safety and Public Works also saw increases of more than $400,000 each, partly attributed to new residential development.
Public Works will add a crew of four employees to enhance leaf and brush collection and snow removal and will introduce a new foreman position to oversee park and recreation maintenance.
Capital spending will grow substantially in 2025, rising to $1.8 million from $400,000 last year. Planned purchases include a multi-use public works truck and a heavy-duty dump truck. Facility and park upgrades will include expanded soccer fields, a pavilion at Woolsey Park, an equipment shed and shelter at Twin Pines, and new dugouts at Independence Fields.
“We will no longer be putting these capital improvements on the credit card,” Kuchinski said. The move to fund capital improvements through the annual budget rather than bonding marks a shift toward pay-as-you-go budgeting and aims to reduce long-term debt.
Debt Reduction Efforts Ongoing
Still, debt service remains the largest single line item in the budget at $6.7 million—about 22% of overall spending. “This is too high,” Kuchinski said. “We want to get to 15%.”
He noted that the township has reduced its total debt from $55 million to $45 million over the last decade. “Every year since 2015 we have incurred less new debt than what we have paid off,” he said. “Our philosophy is to get the best value out of every dollar.”
There was little public comment on the budget. One resident questioned the need for a large dump truck, while two others raised concerns about property assessments. Two residents thanked the Committee for its work and budget expertise.
Township Recognizes Girl Scouts, Public Works, EMS Providers
Girl Scout Troop 71065 opened the meeting by leading the Salute to the Flag and received a warm welcome from Mayor Courtney Peters-Manning.
The Committee issued proclamations recognizing National Public Works Week and Emergency Medical Services Week, both observed May 18–24.
“We appreciate our public works personnel. In so many cases they are first responders, just like the fire service or EMS,” Peters-Manning said.
Deputy Mayor David Chait added, “The Township would not run without Public Works.”
The EMS Week proclamation honored the wide range of people involved in emergency care—including EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, police, firefighters, educators, and trained community members.
Peters-Manning also invited residents to attend the Mayor’s Awards ceremony for first responders, scheduled for 11 a.m. on June 7 at Woolsey Park.
Chait noted the Committee’s recent outreach to local businesses and highlighted a new “Welcome Hopewell Township Businesses!” page now live on the Township’s website.
Committee Advances Environmental Policy, Dam Project
The Committee introduced a proposed ordinance to implement an environmentally preferable purchasing policy, developed with the Hopewell Valley Green Team. The six-page measure outlines guidelines for municipal purchasing that reduce waste, favor recycled and bio-based materials, and promote energy-efficient and sustainably sourced products.
The ordinance also calls for forming a Green Purchasing Committee and requires staff to set goals and track progress. It is scheduled to be discussed at the June 2 Committee meeting.
The Committee also adopted a $1.23 million bond ordinance for the decommissioning of Hialeah Dam and restoration of the surrounding area. During public comment, one resident suggested restoring the dam instead. Peters-Manning responded that the Committee explored restoration but found it would cost several million dollars—an unaffordable option for the Township.
Public Comments Touch on PILOT, Diverty Road, School Costs
A resident asked the Committee to consider using PILOT funds to help offset school operating costs associated with new residential developments. Peters-Manning pointed to the Township’s $16.1 million pledge for Bear Tavern Elementary construction, which she said will lower future tax burdens for individual homeowners.
Committee members also noted that while new homes are being added, total school enrollment remains roughly 600 students below its historical peak.
Another resident urged more outreach to homeowners on Diverty Road regarding sewers, water service, and road conditions. Peters-Manning said she is regularly in contact with residents there and that letters have been sent outlining service hookup options through ELSA or Trenton Water Works. She encouraged continued communication.
