Union County introduces $559.2 million 2026 budget; board approves contracts, grants and ARP award

Union County Fiscal Chairwoman Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded introduced the county’s proposed 2026 executive budget at the Board of County Commissioners’ March 26 meeting, saying the plan totals $559,192,647.06 and includes a roughly 2% increase in the tax levy and a sizable projected rise in health and prescription benefit costs.

"I introduce the Union County 2026 Executive Budget in the amount of $559,192,647.06," Palmieri-Mouded said, noting the budget is designed to preserve essential services while maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating. Chairman Joseph C. Bodek said the official public hearing has been scheduled for April 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.; the board plans to present a budget-adoption resolution later that evening.

During the same meeting the Board moved a large package of resolutions authorizing contracts, grant applications, contract amendments and program funding. Highlights included: a one-year jury-parking lease (Reso. 2026-194) not to exceed $200,000; an equipment lease with Xerox (Reso. 2026-195) for up to $2,008,000 over five years; an amendment and change order for the Ashbrook restoration project adding $282,709.35 (Reso. 2026-197); NJ Transit grant acceptance for $240,000 with a $60,000 local match to develop a coordinated human-services transportation plan (Reso. 2026-206); and the award of $300,000 in HOME/ARP funds to Family Promise Union County for short- to medium-term rental assistance and related services (Reso. 2026-215).

Most resolutions were moved by Commissioner Alexander Mirabella and seconded by Commissioner James E. Baker Jr.; roll call votes on the listed items were recorded as affirmative by nine members of the Board unless otherwise noted. A contract for talent acquisition and booking for the county’s summer concert series (Reso. 2026-209) recorded two abstentions and seven yes votes.

County Manager Edward T. Oatman answered public inquiries about several items during the public-comment period, clarifying that the Ashbrook dredging is separate from clubhouse construction, that Reso. 2026-200 would fund boiler-replacement phases II and III, that Reso. 2026-203/204 authorize on-call environmental engineering services, that ARPA HOME funds carry separate restrictions, and that the county intends to occupy the new government complex in April 2027.

The meeting also included routine business — appointments to advisory boards, approvals of on-call service contracts, scholarship and grant announcements, and ceremonial resolutions recognizing local observances and community honorees.

Votes at a glance

- Reso. 2026-194: Jury parking lease with Elizabeth Parking Authority — approved (9–0). - Reso. 2026-195: Xerox equipment lease (April 1, 2026–March 31, 2031) — approved (9–0). - Reso. 2026-197: Ashbrook Restoration change order +$282,709.35 — approved (9–0). - Reso. 2026-200: Colliers Engineering — boiler replacement phases II/III (+$720,110 + $13,264) — approved (9–0). - Reso. 2026-206: NJ Transit grant $240,000 (with $60,000 match) — approved (9–0). - Reso. 2026-209: Talent acquisition contract for summer concerts — approved (7 yes, 2 abstentions). - Reso. 2026-215: HOME/ARP funds to Family Promise Union County, not to exceed $300,000 — approved (9–0). - Reso. 2026-221: Introduction/approval step for the 2026 Annual Budget — approved to introduce (9–0). (Complete list of resolutions discussed and adopted appears in the meeting minutes.)

What’s next

A public hearing on the 2026 executive budget is scheduled for April 30 at 6:30 p.m.; the Board plans to present a budget-adoption resolution later that evening. Several adopted contracts and grant applications will proceed to implementation as outlined in the individual resolutions.