Allendale Approves $17.5M Budget for 2025: What Homeowners Need to Know

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Allendale NJ,  At its April 24 council meeting, the Borough of Allendale officially adopted its $17.5 million municipal budget for 2025, reflecting an increase of $807,375 over last year’s $16.7 million plan.

The amount to be raised by property taxes will total $11.1 million, an increase of $41,427 compared to 2024. For homeowners, this equates to a tax increase of $0.23 per $100 of assessed valuation. On a property assessed at the borough’s average of $882,362, that’s a $22.52 increase—from $4,197 to $4,219 annually.

Tax Rate Down Despite Higher Assessments

Despite the tax increase in dollars, Allendale’s overall tax rate is decreasing by 3.49%, according to Business Administrator Alison Altano.

“The tax rate is decreasing because of higher property assessments,” Altano explained. “If residents are being taxed on higher values, the rate itself can drop. We’ve also increased other revenues significantly.”

Cell Tower Revenue Boosts Borough Income

One of the biggest revenue jumps comes from cell tower lease agreements, which grew from $147,000 in 2024 to $385,000 in 2025.

“We took back ownership of our cell tower and began collecting lease revenue,” said Mayor Amy Wilczynski. “It’s now one of our largest sources of miscellaneous revenue.”

Top Spending Priorities in 2025

Allendale’s three largest appropriations are:

• Public Safety (police, fire, ambulance): $3.3 million (29%)

• Public Works and Sanitation: $2.3 million (13%)

• Insurance (primarily state health benefits): $2.3 million (13%)

The New Jersey State Health Benefits Plan continues to pose challenges, with a 16.3% hike in 2025, following 7% in 2024 and 24% in 2023.

Streetscape Project and Capital Improvements

The borough recently completed its community center, aided by a $750,000 grant. For 2025, focus shifts to finishing the Streetscape Project on West Allendale Avenue, which includes new lighting, pavers, and tree installations to enhance the downtown district.

Understanding Where Your Taxes Go

• 68% of municipal revenue comes from property taxes.

• 57% of your tax bill goes toward education, divided between:

  • Allendale K-8 School District (36%)

  • Northern Highlands Regional High School (21%)

Note: School budgets are independently managed by their respective Boards of Education and are not governed by the Borough Council.

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