Better Know: Montclair, NJ!
Where do my property taxes go?
When you pay property taxes in Montclair, your money funds schools, town services, and county operations.
Your property taxes are broken up in the following way:
Schools: ~57%
Town Government (Municipal): ~25%
Essex County: ~17%
Library Tax: ~1.3%
Open Space Fund: ~0.5%
How did the town spend its budget in 2024?
How did the school spend its budget in 2024-2025?
How does the Township Council work?
Montclair’s government uses a Council-Manager system, meaning elected officials set policy and a professional manager runs day-to-day operations.
Township Council:
Passes the laws governing the town.
7 members, all equal in voting power (Mayor + 2 At-Large + 4 Ward Councilors)
Elected every 4 years (nonpartisan) in May.
Paid $10K stipend.
Town Manager:
In charge of implementing the town’s budget, hiring and firing, and managing all of the individual departments like Police, Fire, Public Works, and Recreation
Paid $235,000 per year.
How does the School Board work?
The Montclair Public School District is overseen by an elected Board of Education (BOE) and managed day-to-day by a Superintendent.
BOE:
9 elected members (since 2022)
Serve staggered 3-year terms
Volunteer roles (no salary)
Responsibilities:
Set district policy and goals
Approve the $147M annual budget
Hire and oversee the Superintendent
Negotiate salary contracts with union, select curriculum, and oversee major construction efforts.