Middletown property owners are looking at a 5.25 percent tax hike across all categories for the next fiscal year, based on preliminary rates presented at a public hearing on Wednesday (May 21).
The proposed budget for Fiscal 2026 stands at $93.3 million, up about $1 million from the current $92.3 million budget.
Here’s how the tax rates break down:
- Owner-occupied homes: $9.12 per $1,000 of assessed value
- Non-owner occupied real estate: $11.85 per $1,000
- Commercial properties: $13.66 per $1,000
In real terms, this means:
- A typical owner-occupied home valued at $634,150 will see a $291 increase in their yearly tax bill
- The average non-owner occupied property ($667,700) will pay $394 more
- Median commercial properties ($876,500) will face a $596 hike
The proposed budget covers all payments and expenses related to the new school, library, and other debt. This means no extra payments or tax rate increases will be necessary in Fiscal 2026 for these projects.
The 5.25 percent increase applies equally to Middletown’s three tax classes – resident, nonresident, and commercial. Town officials note that since the increase is on the tax rate, not the tax levy, they don’t need state approval.
Other proposed changes include:
- Sewer rate increase to $19.39 per 1,000 gallons (up $1.34)
- Average sewer bill to rise by about $84 a year, totaling around $890
- Annual curbside trash and recycling program cost to increase by $5 to $185
- Mandatory “Pay-As-You-Throw” bag fees to remain the same
A second public hearing on the proposed Fiscal 2026 budget is set for May 28 at 6 p.m. in Town Hall, where the council is expected to finalize the numbers.
Read more from the Town of Middletown here – Public Hearing Sees 5.25 Percent Proposed Tax Rates
