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Gloucester County adopts FY2027 budget, raises meals and cigarette taxes and withholds final school appropriation pending state action
Summary
The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors approved the fiscal year 2027 budget and a package of tax ordinances on April 30, 2026, including an increase in the meals tax to 6% and the adoption of a cigarette tax; the board also level-funded most civic contributions, added funding for Bay Transit and the humane society, and agreed to withhold the last school appropriation pending state compensation confirmation.
The Gloucester County Board of Supervisors approved the county—s fiscal year 2027 budget and several tax changes at a meeting on April 30, 2026, after hours of public comment and internal debate.
Board members voted to adopt the budget as amended, with staff noting the appropriation would withhold the final percentage point for school compensation until the Commonwealth clarifies its contribution. Miss Callaway, the county—s budget staff, told the board the appropriation language would allow the county to budget for a 3% school compensation increase while only appropriating the amount actually funded by the state.
Why it matters: The package changes the county—s revenue mix and modestly increases the immediate tax burden for some residents and businesses while preserving flexibility on school raises. The actions fund three school resource officers, a community engagement…
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