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Essex County opens public hearing on FY2026–27 budget; board touts balanced plan with no tax increase
Summary
The Essex County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing on its proposed FY2026–27 budget and proposed 2026 tax rates, emphasizing a balanced plan that does not raise taxes; staff flagged a small possible increase to the personal property tax relief percentage and the board heard public concerns about roadside litter and local road repairs.
The Essex County Board of Supervisors opened a public hearing April 14 on the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 budget and the county—s proposed tax rates, with Chairman Akers saying staff produced "a balanced budget to the county without raising any taxes to the citizens." The board said the proposal would keep the tax rate stable for another year but that any later school appropriation or an increase in the tax rate would require another public hearing.
Why it matters: The hearing begins the formal process before the board votes to adopt the county—s budget on April 23; the document sets spending priorities for county services, schools and capital projects. Board members repeatedly praised staff for producing the draft and stressed transparency if changes…
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