Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Union County introduces $559.19 million 2026 executive budget; public hearing set for April 30
Loading...
Summary
Fiscal chair Kimberly Paul Palmeri Modette introduced a $559,192,647.06 2026 executive budget that includes a 2% tax-levy increase and a 21% rise in health and prescription costs; the public hearing and final adoption are scheduled for April 30. Public commenters questioned contract spending and ARPA use; County Manager Ed Oatman provided clarifications.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners formally introduced its 2026 executive budget, a $559,192,647.06 plan the fiscal committee described as necessary to maintain services amid rising fixed costs.
"Tonight, we introduce the Union County 2026 executive budget in the amount of $559,192,647.06," fiscal chair Kimberly Paul Palmeri Modette said as she opened the presentation, noting a 2% increase in the tax levy and a 21% jump in health and prescription benefits that pushed up fixed costs.
A video overview presented by County Manager Ed Oatman highlighted the county's AAA bond rating and said the budget reflects efforts to sustain public safety, infrastructure, human services and parks across 21 municipalities. "Through disciplined budgeting and long term planning, we have built a foundation that allows us to respond when residents need us most," Oatman said in the presentation.
The board scheduled a public hearing and final reading on April 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Public comment at the meeting included sharp questions from resident Bruce Patterson of Garwood, who challenged figures in the budget and raised concerns about several contract and spending items. "Could you please explain to the public and the viewers what fees have changed and how much they are? And especially the electronic cost…you're charging extra money to make something easier," Patterson said earlier in the meeting when commenting on an ordinance to offset electronic transaction fees; later he asked about contracts tied to the Ashbrook restoration and engineering work.
In response to Patterson's contract-related questions, County Manager Ed Oatman said the Ashbrook clubhouse construction is tied to active litigation and that the county is tracking costs. He characterized Colliers Engineering work as phased and purpose-specific rather than paperwork-driven: "We are not paying Colliers for a paper shuffling. This is for the second and third phase of the boilers. They are being done in stages," Oatman said, adding that on-call environmental contracts address legacy issues such as asbestos and lead paint.
The manager also said restrictions on federal funds mean different funding sources have distinct allowable uses, and confirmed a planned relocation of the social services division to the new government complex in April 2027.
Votes at a glance
- Resolutions 2026-194 through 2026-260: adopted by roll call. All passed with affirmative votes except Resolution 2026-209, which recorded seven ayes and two abstentions (Commissioner Mirabella and Chairman Bodek).
Why it matters
The introduced budget funds core county services including public safety, human services, parks and elections, and preserves the county's credit rating, according to the administration. The 2% tax-levy increase and rising health-care costs will be a focal point at the April 30 public hearing, where residents may present testimony before final adoption.
What comes next
The board will hold the public hearing and final reading on April 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., when the commission may adopt the budget or make changes based on public input and commissioner direction.
