Hillsborough Township Adopts a Fiscally Responsible 2025 Budget

Focus on public safety, roads, infrastructure, and award-winning park system

The 2025 municipal budget prioritizes investments that will keep Hillsborough financially sustainable.  The budget intentionally invests in residents’ public safety while funding its best-in-class police department. As a reminder, the municipal budget (Township Committee controlled) represents only 13% of the taxes a taxpayer pays in a given year. 

The Township Committee is deeply committed to public safety, ongoing infrastructure improvements, road maintenance, enhancements to Hillsborough’s parks, and updates to the Township’s oldest and most frequently used buildings, including the Public Works and Municipal Buildings. By actively listening to resident concerns, the Township Committee focused on ensuring that tax dollars are spent efficiently, with long-term and sustainable thinking in mind.

“Introducing a balanced municipal budget is never an easy task,” said Hillsborough Mayor John Ciccarelli. “This year, we faced significant headwinds from the start; rising costs in several areas outside our control necessitated some tough decisions to be made by the finance team.”

Under the new budget, residents can look forward to various enhancements that benefit the community. Key projects include:

Public Safety Prioritized: The 2025 budget prioritizes public safety by allocating funds to upgrade and expand the Police Department facilities to accommodate the increase in personnel.  Support for the police department is reflected in and well-defined in the 2025 budget, as it has been in most years. 

Road and Infrastructure Improvements: In 2025, Hillsborough will continue its comprehensive road paving and preservation program, ensuring smoother and safer travel throughout the town. The multi-year, $9 million rehabilitation program allows Hillsborough Township to focus on approximately 30 roads through repaving and road preservation. With his engineering expertise, Mayor Ciccarelli is committed to continuing the strategic planning and execution of infrastructure projects that enhance roadway durability, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and improve overall transportation safety for residents and visitors alike.

Department of Public Works Facility Improvements:  The Department of Public Works building is set to undergo a much-needed rehabilitation to enhance both functionality and efficiency. In addition to facility upgrades, the Township is investing in new equipment that will support uninterrupted maintenance and snow and tree removal operations that are critical to ensuring the safety, accessibility, and convenience of all residents year-round. By maintaining essential machinery and public safety vehicles, Hillsborough is reinforcing its commitment to seamless seasonal transitions and high-quality public service.

Fiscally Responsible: The Township Committee worked diligently to minimize the impact on residents, especially considering that, due to rising costs, they began the budget year with more than $1 million in additional costs from the state’s unfunded mandates forced on Hillsborough. Based on an average home value of $547,000, the average household's 2025 budget investments equate to $3.67 more per month per household. The result of these investments in 2025 ensures that Hillsborough delivers on these essential and critical upgrades while maintaining affordability for all residents. 

Deputy Mayor Catherine Payne, Liaison to the Budget Committee, stated, "This budget represents a significant commitment to our community's future. By focusing on infrastructure and public safety, we are not only improving the daily lives of our residents but also laying the groundwork for a thriving and sustainable Hillsborough."

In closing, Mayor Ciccarelli thanked the Finance Committee, Township departments, interim CFO Joe Monzo, and residents for their efforts in completing the budget. Mayor Ciccarelli stated, “I look forward to seeing the projects and efforts to be delivered by the departments in 2025; let’s get to work.”

Please visit the Hillsborough Township website for more information about the new budget and upcoming projects.

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