The Current State of Berkley's Finances

Berkley operates on an annual budget of approximately $26.8 million, with over 95% of the tax levy funded by residents.

Historically, Berkley has taken a conservative approach to growth and spending—prioritizing limited development and maintaining tight control over the budget. This approach has helped preserve the town’s character and minimize unnecessary spending.

However, rising costs driven by inflation, state mandates, and increasing service demands are placing pressure on the town’s finances.

As a result, Berkley is now facing a structural challenge: expenses are growing faster than available revenue, requiring the community to consider difficult but important decisions about the future.