Whats Happening
REGARDING THE RECENTLY MAILED 3RD QUARTER ESTIMATED TAX BILLS:
2025 Tax Impact on the *Average assessed home in Hillsdale
| 2024 Actual | 2025 Estimated | Change | YOY Increase | % of Total Levy | |
| Average Assessed Home | $476,250.00 | $476,250.00 | - | ||
| County Levy | $1,402.93 | $1,466.85 | $63.92 | 4.56% | 9.30% |
| County Open Space | $67.60 | $66.68 | $(.093) | -1.37% | 0.42% |
| District School Levy | $6,926.74 | $7,191.38 | $264.63 | 3.82% | 45.57% |
| Regional Levy | $3,586.32 | $3,771.90 | $185.58 | 5.17% | 23.89% |
| Library Levy | $203.71 | $228.60 | $24.89 | 12.22% | 1.45% |
| Municipal Levy | $2,918.23 | $3,057.53 | $139.30 | 4.77% | 19.36% |
| Total Tax Rate | $15,105.54 | $15,782.93 | $677.38 | 4.48% | 100.00% |
The governing body has implemented a tax increase of $139 on the average assessed Hillsdale home. This adjustment was necessary due to pre-existing contractual obligations, which required the borough to allocate an additional $200,000 for solid waste disposal, $280,000 for police salaries and wages, and $186,000 for state-mandated health care costs—totaling $666,000 increase in an non-discretionary expenses for the 2025 budget. All of these expenses, along with essential town services—including police, DPW, parks, and borough hall operations—are funded by just 19% of the total property taxes paid by residents.
However, through strategic revenue generation—such as River Vale joining our paid ambulance service ($75,000), merging courts with Westwood ($60,000), and joining the county fiber ring for municipal internet service (savings still being calculated)—combined with responsible departmental budget reductions, we successfully lowered the $666,000 obligation to $483,000. It is this remaining $483,000 in mandatory spending that necessitated the $138 tax increase.
This approach reflects our commitment to balancing financial responsibilities while minimizing the burden on taxpayers.
Dear Residents,
We are pleased to share that the Borough of Hillsdale is in compliance with the State of New Jersey’s Round 4 Affordable Housing requirements. As mandated by the state, Hillsdale was required to submit its proposed redevelopment plan by June 30th, 2025.
To meet this requirement, the Governing Body held a special meeting on Wednesday, June 25th, at 12:00 PM, during which the plan was reviewed and unanimously approved. The meeting lasted approximately 40 minutes and included a detailed explanation of the state’s affordable housing process, how Hillsdale developed its proposal, and what the next steps will be.
The approved plan outlines the construction of four (4) affordable housing units in Hillsdale over the next ten years. This proactive approach ensures that Hillsdale retains local control over future development. Municipalities that do not submit a plan by the state’s deadline risk losing their immunity from builder’s remedy lawsuits and may forfeit their ability to guide future land use decisions.
We remain committed to thoughtful planning that protects the character of our community while meeting state obligations. Thank you for staying informed and engaged.
Sincerely,
Michael Sheinfield, Mayor
Borough of Hillsdale
https://www.hillsdalenj.org/vertical/Sites/%7BFE916F8D-CA48-4788-B4B7-6A2BF8501398%7D/uploads/250612_HDB_Appendix_Draft_PB_Hearing-1.pdf
Mondays –Thursdays
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Fridays 8AM – 1PM
Recycling Center Open Regular Hours
Due to the forecasted inclement weather, Comedy Night will be on our Rain Date July 17th (weather permitting)!
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
If you have any trouble accessing information contained within this website, please contact our Borough Clerk, Denise Kohan at dkohan@hillsdalenj.org