Hillsborough board approves 1.31% school tax levy — lower than earlier 2% proposal

Hillsborough Township's school board just locked in a 1.31% property tax levy hike for next year's budget — down from the 2% they floated earlier. This affects every homeowner in the central New Jersey district, where schools serve about 7,700 kids across 11 buildings. The move balances resident pushback on costs with pleas to keep programs funded amid rising expenses. It's not final yet — a full budget vote and public hearing are still coming — but it signals a middle ground after heated talks. ### What is a school tax levy exactly? A tax levy is the portion of your property tax bill that funds the schools — in Hillsborough, it makes up over 70% of the typical bill. The board sets the levy increase percentage each year based on the budget needs minus state aid and other revenue. This 1.31% means the levy rises by that amount over last year's, directly tied to your home's assessed value. For a median home around $550,000, that's roughly $200 more per year — but less than the $300 the 2% would've added. ### Why did they propose 2% at first? The initial 2% targeted a $175 million budget, up 4.5% from this year's $167 million, driven by salaries, special ed costs, and security upgrades — all post-pandemic pressures. State aid flatlined at $45 million, forcing reliance on local taxes. Board members argued it preserved aides, sports, and tech without cuts. But inflation-hit families balked, citing property taxes already at New Jersey's punishing levels — over 2% of home value yearly. ### What changed to drop it to 1.31%? Public comments split the room — some begged to protect "full-day kindergarten and counselors," others called 2% "unaffordable" amid grocery and mortgage spikes. Board VP Lisa Antinori pushed for cuts like trimming admin or sports fees; others worried about lawsuits from special ed mandates. After debate, they voted 6-2-1 to land at 1.31%, shaving $1.5 million by delaying some hires and squeezing supplies. It passed around 10:30 p.m. on April 30. ### How does this hit homeowners? Relief, basically — the 0.69% drop from 2% saves the average household $100 yearly. But it's still an increase; a $600,000 home sees $175 more in taxes. Commercial properties pick up some share, but residential foots most. No cuts to classrooms yet — staff stays level, buses run, lights stay on. Critics say it kicks the can; if costs climb, next year could sting more. ### What's left before it's official? The levy locks the tax portion, but the full $175 million budget needs approval May 13. A public hearing follows May 27 — your last shot to weigh in. Somerset County then certifies rates by June, hitting bills in fall. If rejected, deeper cuts loom — think larger classes or axed electives. ### How does Hillsborough compare locally? New Jersey schools average 2-3% hikes yearly, but Hillsborough's under 2% beats many — Bridgewater eyed 3.1%, Montgomery 2.4%. State cap is 2% without voter opt-in, so they stayed legal. Still, cumulative hikes have NJ taxes topping the nation at $9,300 median per home. This levy tempers that — for now. Bottom line: It's a win for taxpayers without gutting schools — but watch May votes. Inflation eases, yet enrollment grows 1% yearly. Board compromise holds the line; residents get breathing room. If you're in Hillsborough, check your assessment — and speak up before hearings close.