Why are municipal taxes increasing in North Arlington and what’s the reason for these tax hikes?
1. Frequent property reassessments & rising assessments:
The borough regularly re-evaluates property values to stay aligned with the market. When reassessments reflect rising real estate values, your assessed value increases—and so does your tax bill
As one local source explains, “Property Assessments: North Arlington conducts regular property reassessments … while this practice aims to maintain ‘fairness’, it can lead to higher assessed values”
🔹 What residents say (from NJ Reddit threads):
“In my town, the assessment on my property has gone up well over 20%, along with everyone else in the neighborhood.”
“Very typical to get reassessment upon a sale.”
These comments highlight how assessments are outpacing market trends, significantly inflating tax burdens.
2. Municipal spending increases & development:
The borough council, dominated by Republicans, has approved annual municipal budgets that have steadily increased spending, debt, salaries, and public works expenses—including emergency services, capital projects, and infrastructure—which directly raises the municipal tax portion.
Overdevelopment—with new apartment and condo projects along Ridge Road and Belleville Pike—is also fueling demands for public services without reducing tax rates, contributing to rising municipal costs.
3. School district costs & state funding cuts:
Part of your property tax goes to the North Arlington School District. Rising pension obligations, pay increases for staff, and overall operational costs strain the school budget.
Like many NJ towns, North Arlington may be feeling the effects of reduced state aid, forcing local taxpayers to absorb more of the school funding gap.
4. County & state tax allocations:
A portion of your tax also funds Bergen County. While not directly controlled by the borough, county budget increases and tax levies contribute to the overall property tax burden.
5. SALT deduction cap & higher tax burden:
The federal SALT (state and local tax) deduction cap makes high property taxes feel even more burdensome, as you can’t deduct beyond $10,000 on your federal taxes.
🧐 In Summary:
Rising property valuations due to reassessments → higher assessed value & taxes supported by Mayor Dan Pronti and the entire GOP Borough Council.
Municipal spending increases, including infrastructure and other expenditures
Expansion & massive development driving up service demands
School funding pressures from pensions, salaries, and reduced state aid
County-level tax levies
SALT cap amplification of tax pain
✅ What you can do:
Appeal your property assessment with the Bergen County Board of Taxation if you think it’s too high.
Engage in local governance—attend council and school board meetings, vote in local elections, and question budget hikes.
Explore NJ property tax relief programs, especially if you’re a senior, veteran, or disabled.
Bring responsible two-party government to North Arlington which will end the GOP stranglehold on the seven-member Mayor & Council.
Municipal taxes in North Arlington are climbing because rising assessments, local spending, education costs, and county levies are all putting upward pressure on the overall levy.
The primary responsibility for municipal tax increases in North Arlington lies with the Borough Council—a 6-member body led by Mayor Dan Pronti. While Mayor Pronti (R) often points fingers at Bergen County or the Board of Education, the council votes on and approves the annual municipal budget, including any tax hikes .
🏛️ Accountability Breakdown:
Borough Council (All Republicans) – Councilmembers Brian Fitzhenry, Lynette Cavadas, Mario Karcic Jr., Allison Sheedy, Kirk Del Russo, and Donna Bocchino have all voted “yes” on municipal spending and tax resolutions.
Mayor Dan Pronti does not cast votes ordinarily (unless there’s a tie), but publicly supports the budget and defends against claims of tax increases.
Tax Assessor’s Office / Associated Appraisal Group, Inc. conducts annual property reassessments—authorized through 2026—and although they don’t set rates, their valuations increase the tax base, affecting bills.
Reassessment Program Ongoing: In April 2025, reassessment activities continued—inspections, 2025 property values set as of October 1, 2025—indicating value-based tax pressure Associated Appraisal Group, Inc..