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Red Bank adopts FY27 budget with 16-cent tax increase and first five-year capital plan
Summary
The Red Bank Board of Commissioners adopted the FY27 budget on June 2, 2026, approving a proposed 16-cent property-tax increase and formally adopting the city's first five-year capital improvement plan; the meeting featured extended public comment urging alternatives and relief for fixed-income residents.
The Red Bank Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on June 2 to adopt the fiscal year 2027 budget, which includes a 16-cent property-tax increase and measures city officials said are needed to restore infrastructure, maintain public-safety staffing and create a five-year capital improvement plan (CIP).
City Manager Mr. Brana summarized the process leading to the final ordinance and highlighted the fiscal choices that underlie the request: "It does ask for a 16 cent property tax increase and we are very mindful of the magnitude of that ask of staff," he said during the presentation. The manager also introduced the CIP, a five-year roadmap the commission approved that staff said will improve the city's competitiveness for grants.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff framed the increase as an incremental step to address multi-year underinvestment in facilities, vehicles and public works. The adopted budget includes a 2.25% cost-of-living adjustment for employees, targeted market adjustments for police, fire and other classifications, and a net staffing level of 84 positions. City staff reiterated that the city funds a property-tax relief program affecting roughly 138 qualifying residents, including seniors and disabled veterans.
Public comment at the meeting was both extensive and sharply critical of the tax increase. Constants Coffman, a resident, told the board: "My monthly mortgage payment jumped over $250 per month," and urged commissioners to pause the tax increase and exhaust alternative revenue options. Multiple speakers asked the commission to explore targeted relief or deferral programs for fixed-income residents and to provide clearer long-term financial projections.
Board discussion highlighted competing priorities. Supporters of the budget emphasized the need to restore pay competitiveness for public-safety employees and to invest in long-deferred infrastructure; others stressed the immediate burden on lower-income households and urged greater exploration of alternatives such as special-purpose sales taxes or targeted relief programs.
On the issue of transit, staff told the commission the Carter Caravan paired transit service is scheduled to be sun-setted at the end of calendar year 2026 unless new revenue or a grant is secured.
The formal vote on Ordinance 26-1308 was taken by roll call and recorded in the meeting transcript as: Mayor Stephanie Dalton — yes; Vice Mayor Holly Barry — yes; Commissioner Jamie Fairbanks Harvey — yes; Commissioner Terry Holmes — yes; Commissioner Wilkinson — yes. The ordinance passed and becomes effective as the FY27 adopted budget.
Next steps: Staff said the CFO will transmit the adopted ordinance package to the state controller within 15 days as required by state law, and the CIP will guide project prioritization and grant-seeking over the next five fiscal years.
Ending: Commissioners said they intend to continue outreach and post detailed budget materials and a Q&A on the city's website for residents who want more detail.
