Hackensack Property Taxes to Surge 10%: Why Your Bill is Climbing in 2026
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
HACKENSACK, NJ — Homeowners in the “City in Motion” are facing a significant financial squeeze this year. Hackensack officials have unveiled a proposed $146.45 million budget that includes a staggering 10.25% municipal tax hike, driven by skyrocketing healthcare costs and past budgeting errors.
The City Council is set to hold a public hearing and final vote on the plan on May 5, 2026.
The Price Tag: What This Means for Your Wallet
If approved, the new budget will see the tax levy rise to roughly $101 million. For a resident owning a home at the city average assessment of $321,205, the impact is clear:
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Monthly Increase: +$48.13
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Annual Increase: +$557.56
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Note: This only covers the municipal portion (roughly 30%) of your total property tax bill.
When combined with the 4.01% Bergen County tax increase ($79.90 annually for the average home), Hackensack residents are looking at one of the steepest tax years in recent memory.
The Culprits: Health Benefits and “Runaway Claims”
Hackensack’s Chief Financial Officer, James Mangin, points to two major external factors beyond the city’s immediate control:
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Healthcare Spike: Unlike most NJ towns, Hackensack is self-insured. A surge in medical claims in 2025 caused insurance premiums to skyrocket by 48%, adding $6.3 million to the budget.
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Utility Bills: The Bergen County Utility Authority bill increased by $900,000.
While uncontrollable costs rose by over $7 million, Mangin noted that spending within the city’s direct control was actually reduced by $100,000.
Correcting “Poor Decisions” from 2025
Officials are calling this a “rebuilding” budget. According to the administration, the 2025 spending plan—crafted under a previous administration—relied on over-projected revenues from permits and construction.
When that $1.6 million in expected revenue failed to materialize, it created a hole that can only be filled by tax revenue in 2026.
“Proper fiscal conservative budgeting practices are now back in place that will prevent such a high tax increase next year,” Mangin stated.
Where is the Money Going?
Beyond covering the deficit and insurance, the city is earmarking funds for several “neglected” infrastructure needs, including:
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Snow removal operations.
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Pump station monitoring to prevent flooding issues.
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Necessary vehicle purchases for city departments.
Importantly, officials clarified that the recent $6.5 million emergency transfer to the Board of Education to save school programs is being funded by the city’s surplus and is not part of this 10% tax levy increase.
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The beat goes on, with ZERO solutions presented to reduce spending.
Remember Hackensack flooded the new developments with GIANT tax abatements.