The Borough of Avalon introduced its 2025 municipal budget at the March 12 Borough Council Meeting. It is a $36.48 million plan that continues to eliminate all long-term obligation debt while maintaining a healthy surplus and the Borough’s exemplary AAA bond rating from Standard and Poor’s. “There were some difficult decisions made for this year’s budget due to rising costs for materials and labor,” said Mayor John McCorristin. “This budget funds necessary capital improvement projects, invests in resiliency and public safety, and provides an opportunity for Avalon to maintain a very high level of services expected in our community.”

Avalon’s 2025 budget holds the municipal tax rate at 20.5 cents per $100 assessed valuation. This is the second consecutive year that the tax rate will not increase in Avalon. The Borough has maintained or reduced the municipal tax rate in each of the prior nine years, with the exception of 2023, when the United States experienced rampant inflation. Avalon’s tax rate continues to be one of the lowest among developed communities in the state of New Jersey.

Among the capital improvements financed by this budget are sand back-passing to stabilize the beaches at the north end, a living shoreline pilot program at Bay Park Marina, a major water main replacement along 42nd Street, and the repainting and rehabilitation of the 13th Street water tower. A budget presentation and potential adoption is scheduled for the April 9 council meeting.