FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2025
Mayor Walker Clarifies 4th Quarter Tax Increase and Reaffirms Commitment to Fiscal Transparency
Old Bridge, New Jersey – Mayor Walker today issued a statement addressing residents’ concerns regarding the increase in 4th quarter property tax bills. The adjustment, while expected, appears more significant due to the way quarterly estimates were structured earlier in the year.
“I understand that many residents will be surprised by their 4th quarter tax bills,” said Mayor Walker. “We want to provide clarity on what’s behind the numbers and ensure everyone understands where their tax dollars are going.”
The key reason for the larger 4th quarter increase is that the 3rd quarter tax bills were based on an estimated 4.79% increase over 2024 taxes. However, the actual total tax increase for 2025 is closer to 10%, slightly varying based on the fire district. The 2025 final/2026 preliminary tax bill will be sent out in late August/early September.
It is important to note that the largest portion of the increase is driven by school taxes, which account for approximately 60% of the total property tax bill. The school tax levy rose by 13.87% this year, significantly contributing to the overall change. For more information on the school budget, please contact the Board of Education at 732-566-1000.
In contrast, the municipal tax rate increased by only 1.58%, reflecting the municipality’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility and efficient service delivery.
“We’ve worked hard to keep the municipal portion of the tax increase as low as possible, even as we continue to face rising costs,” said Mayor Walker. “Unfortunately, we don’t control the school tax portion, which had a much higher increase this year.”
The mayor and municipal staff are available to answer resident questions and will continue to promote transparency in all budgetary matters. Residents can review detailed tax breakdowns and budget information by visiting www.oldbridge.com/Finance.
For additional information or assistance interpreting your tax bill, please contact the Tax Collector’s office at 732-721-5600, ext. 2999 or by email at taxcollect@oldbridge.com.
Click Here to see the 2025 Final/2026 Preliminary Tax Bill Presentation