You Opened Your Tax Bill. Now You Have a Choice.

Bernards Township residents have received their latest property tax bills, and many families are not happy with what they see.

For 2026, the Bernards Township School District approved a $130.16 million budget with a 4.98% increase in the school tax levy. District officials cited sharply rising healthcare costs, reduced state aid, and other financial pressures. The budget also included staff reductions and new student activity fees. (Bernards Township School District budget information)

Separately, the municipal-purpose tax levy increased by 3.44%, from approximately $23.5 million to $24.3 million. The Township’s own budget estimates that the average residential municipal tax payment will increase by $86.25. (Bernards Township 2026 municipal budget)

These percentages apply to separate portions of the property tax bill, and each homeowner’s actual increase will vary based on assessment and other factors. But the bottom line is clear: Bernards families are being asked to pay more.

I understand that many of the costs facing our schools and municipality are driven by forces beyond Bernards Township, including state funding decisions and rapidly rising public employee healthcare expenses. Those challenges are real. They do not, however, eliminate the need for careful spending, transparency, and accountability at every level of government.

A member of the Township Committee does not control the school budget. The Township Committee does control municipal spending, and its members have a responsibility to examine every dollar, challenge unnecessary expenses, and protect residents from avoidable tax increases. They should also be willing to speak out when policies coming from Trenton place additional financial pressure on our community.

That is exactly what I will do.

If elected, I will fight for Bernards families by:

• Holding the line on municipal taxes

• Opposing unnecessary spending

• Protecting Bernards’ debt-free financial position

• Supporting essential services, including a fully staffed and properly equipped police department

• Challenging costly state mandates that make our community less affordable

Bernards Township is a wonderful place to live, raise a family, and retire. But if taxes continue rising year after year, more families and seniors will be forced to ask whether they can afford to remain here.

If you opened your property tax bill and were unhappy with what you saw, remember that feeling when you vote.

This November, vote for fiscal responsibility. Vote for someone who will fight for Bernards families and taxpayers.

Vote Paul Humbert for Bernards Township Committee!