Cape May County MUA Board Members, According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the inflation rate for the New Jersey area was 4.5% over the 12-month period ending in September 2026. Key economic indicators include: - Energy: Rose 3.8% over the month (driven by a 7.0% spike in gasoline) and 21.5% over the past year (gasoline up 36.9%). - Food: Increased 2.7% over the last year - Shelter Index: Rose 4.5% over the last year These figures do not yet account for rising healthcare costs. Now is the time for the CMCMUA to do the right thing and provide employees with a fair pay rais