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Days of Facts

The Real Deal

One Mahwah issue at a time, with the facts laid out plainly. Real facts. Real action.

Day 1

PFAS & Water Safety

The Real Deal, Day 1: PFAS and Water Safety infographic
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What is PFAS?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are known as "forever chemicals." In 2021 the NJDEP adopted the strictest groundwater standards in the nation. Municipalities, including Mahwah, had to begin monitoring in 2022.

The reality in Mahwah

In December 2021, Mahwah was one of roughly 30 North Jersey towns notified that one of its wells, Well 19, exceeded the new PFAS limits. The township took the well offline and immediately began designing a filtration system to bring it back online.

The water wasn’t suddenly unsafe

The standard changed. Mahwah acted quickly.

$2.4 million in grants

$800,000 from the federal government and $1.6 million from the State of New Jersey. Grants covered most of the cost.

7 wells

Mahwah operates seven ground wells, which supply about 68% of the township’s water. The remaining 32% comes from Veolia.

Mahwah worked to get funded

Under the Administration, Mayor and Council, including Robert Ferguson, a member of the Council at the time, worked with State and federal legislators to secure the funding. Grant money goes to the towns that show up, document the need and keep asking.

More filtration. All wells.

The funding wasn’t just for Well 19. It allowed the township to enhance filtration in all of the wells and strengthen the long-term safety of our water system.

Ongoing funding opportunities

The EPA has announced $33.6 million for New Jersey under its Emerging Contaminants program, funding available for testing, planning and treatment infrastructure.

  • Mahwah didn’t wait. The well was taken offline when it failed the new standard.
  • The standard changed, not the safety of our water. New Jersey adopted the strictest PFAS limits in the country and 30 North Jersey towns were affected.
  • Grants covered most of the cost: $800,000 federal and $1.6 million State, $2.4 million in all.
  • The remainder is carried by the water utility on the rate, not the property tax levy.
Day 2

Volunteerism & Community Involvement

The Real Deal, Day 2: Volunteerism and Community Involvement infographic
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Our volunteers keep Mahwah running

From emergency response to community programs, our volunteers make Mahwah a safer, healthier and stronger place to live, work and raise a family.

130 volunteer firefighters

Mahwah is protected by 130 volunteer firefighters and 40 active EMS members.

Over 2,100 EMS calls

Mahwah EMS responded to more than 2,100 calls in 2024.

The stipend program

The Township’s stipend program helps support our volunteer first responders. Team Mahwah will continue to support this and other programs that strengthen our volunteer force.

Environment & conservation

Mahwah Environmental Commission, Green Team, MEVO (Fresh Roots Farm), cleanups and local projects.

Boards & committees

Planning Board, Zoning Board, Recreation Committee, Senior Citizens Advisory Committee, V.E.R.S.A. and Library Board of Trustees.

Education & youth

Library Board of Trustees, Mahwah school programs, youth sports and rec.

Community support & civic engagement

Access For All, the Senior Center, faith-based groups, local organizations, Fire & EMS, emergency management, community events and neighborhood projects.

  • Volunteerism builds a stronger, safer and more connected Mahwah.
  • It brings people together and creates opportunities for all ages.
  • It keeps our town running, from first responders to community programs.
  • Your time, skills and ideas make a real impact.

At Team Mahwah, we will always encourage more involvement and volunteerism for the members of our town, and will continue to support programs like the stipend program for our first responders. Check the township website and local organizations for a full list of opportunities.

Day 3

Grants & Fiscal Responsibility

The Real Deal, Day 3: Grants and Fiscal Responsibility infographic
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What are grants?

Grants help support important township priorities, from public safety and park improvements to environmental protection. They allow us to do more for our community without increasing the burden on taxpayers.

The Team Mahwah approach

We will continue our strong partnership with our partners in county, state and local government to identify available funding and pursue grant opportunities that benefit Mahwah.

NJ Highlands Water Protection: $161,492

Supports Highlands-related environmental and watershed protection.

Bergen County Open Space Trust Fund: $121,815

Supports park and open-space improvements.

Community Development, Riverview Terrace: $100,834

Community-development funding associated with Riverview Terrace.

DCA American Rescue Plan Grant: $75,000

American Rescue Plan funding recorded in the township’s financial records.

Drunk Driving Enforcement Fund: $18,244

Supports impaired-driving enforcement.

Body Armor Fund: $3,955

Supports police body armor.

  • Brings in outside funding to support important township projects.
  • Helps reduce the impact on taxpayers.
  • Supports public safety, parks, infrastructure and the environment.
  • Allows us to do more for Mahwah.

Team Mahwah will continue to work with our partners in county, state and local government, and with our grant writer, to pursue every available opportunity and bring resources back to Mahwah.

Day 4

Taxes & Fiscal Responsibility

The Real Deal, Day 4: Taxes and Fiscal Responsibility infographic
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Where your tax dollar goes

Of the $126.8M total property tax levy: local school district 57.8%, municipal government 24.1%, Bergen County 15.1%, library and open space 3.1%.

Our budget is different from the school budget

The Township Council only controls the municipal portion of your property tax bill, about 24.1%. The school district has its own separate budget and sets its own levy.

2024: 1.44% levy increase

The lowest in about 20 years.

2025: 5.74% levy increase

Driven by health insurance costs.

2026: 2.42% levy increase

About $98.52 per year for the average assessed home.

A closer look at the 2026 municipal budget

Total municipal budget $51.7M. Municipal levy $30.6M. Surplus used in the 2026 budget $6.0M. Surplus balance (12/31/25) $7.3M.

  • Essential services remain strong.
  • Taxes are kept as low as possible.
  • Reserves and planning provide financial stability.
  • We continue to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

We will continue to control costs, pursue grants and outside funding, and make every taxpayer dollar count.

Day 5

Data Centers & Responsible Planning

The Real Deal, Day 5: Data Centers and Responsible Planning infographic
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Planning ahead. Protecting Mahwah.

Mahwah is reviewing the potential impacts of large hyperscale data centers before deciding on permanent standards.

What the ordinance does

The ordinance restricts large hyperscale data centers with a total electric load above 50 megawatts across zoning districts.

New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)

1700 MacArthur Boulevard. $2.3 million a year in tax revenue, our highest ratable.

UPS Ramapo Ridge Data Center

340 MacArthur Boulevard. $1.4 million a year in tax revenue.

A temporary pause, not a ban

The pause ends only if Council adopts a new ordinance consistent with the Planning Board’s recommendations. Otherwise, it remains permanent.

Where it stands

Introduction passed 7-0. Adoption and public comment are scheduled for October 26, 2026.

Why it matters
  • Power demand
  • Water use and cooling
  • Noise and building scale near homes

Public comment is on October 26 at the Township Council meeting. Come be heard.

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Tuesday, November 3 · Vote Column 2