Financial Relief Expected For Westfield Residents

WESTFIELD, NJ — Residents in Westfield may be getting at least a small financial break next year as town officials say sewer fees are not expected to increase in 2026.

The update came during the May 19 Town Council meeting, where officials discussed the town’s budget outlook and the rising costs facing the municipality.

While expenses continue increasing in several areas, sewer-related costs have remained relatively stable, helping the town avoid another increase for homeowners.

“The sewer authority bill had a very low increase this year, so we do not expect to raise the fee,” Business Administrator James Gildea said during the meeting.

Westfield collects more than $197 million in taxes each year, though only a portion of that money — roughly $31.5 million — goes directly toward municipal services. The rest is distributed to the school district, library, and Union County.

Town officials also noted that many major expenses are outside local control and continue rising year after year.

“Some of our non-discretionary expenses are already up about $1 million for 2026,” Gildea said.

He described the annual budget process as a challenge because several large bills are determined externally, including pensions, insurance, and sewer-related costs.

Despite those increases, officials said the town remains in a strong financial position heading into 2026.

“I think we’re in an excellent financial position for 2026,” Gildea said.

For now, that combination of stable sewer costs and healthy reserve funds means homeowners are not expected to see a sewer fee increase next year, even as other municipal expenses continue climbing.