Manalapan commissioners unanimously approved an $18.7 million total budget Sept. 22 for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that started Oct. 1.
The budget includes $10.2 million for the general fund, $97,000 to run the library, and $8.3 million for the town’s water and sewer services.
Commissioners voted to maintain the town tax rate at last year’s rate of $3 per $1,000 of taxable property value. However, taxes overall are increasing because taxable property values for Manalapan increased by 7.6%.
Under state law, homesteaded properties can have their taxable value raised a maximum of 3% each year. All other properties can have their taxable values increased up to 10%.
Key budget allocations will support various town departments, including ongoing projects such as guard house upgrades.
Regarding the guard house — a signature building for the town on Point Manalapan — Town Manager Eric Marmer said that architects have been hired to design upgrades with the focus on visibility and technological capabilities.
Marmer indicated that once conceptual designs are completed, they will be presented to the commission for review and approval.
— John Pacenti
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