Atlantic County adopts 2026 budget with slight tax-rate cut; library, health and open-space funding unchanged
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Summary
The Board gave final reading to the 2026 Atlantic County budget, noting a 2-cent reduction in the county tax rate and no increases for the county library, health agency and special services school district; commissioners praised the finance team's work and the budget was adopted by roll call.
The Atlantic County Board of Commissioners gave final reading and adopted the 2026 county budget, with the chair noting the county tax rate is down two cents. The chair also said funding for the county library, the county public health agency and the blended county special services school district will remain at last year's levels with no increases.
The chair described the result as a responsible budget under pressure from rising health insurance and personnel costs. "So that's about as good as you can do," the chair said when summarizing the budget highlights. Commissioner (speaker 12) commended the county executive, the administrator and the finance team for putting forward a balanced and sustainable plan and said a transition of the county nursing home presents further opportunities to strengthen the county's financial position.
The clerk called the roll for the budget final reading and the resolution was adopted by roll call. At the meeting commissioners also moved and adopted, by separate votes, the Atlantic County Public Health Agency annual budget notice, the Atlantic County Library annual budget notice and the Annual Open Space Trust Fund tax notice for 2026. The board also adopted a resolution to exceed appropriation limits and establish a 2026 cap bank as read on the agenda.
Separately, the board accepted a grant application from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection for a local government electrification grant in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000. That grant resolution was moved and adopted by roll call during the grants portion of the meeting.
The board did not expand county funding for the library, health or open-space items beyond the prior year; commissioners emphasized the need to manage health-care cost drivers and continue long-term fiscal oversight. The finance committee will continue detailed review of budget items as the county implements the adopted spending plan.
