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Newark introduces $900.5 million 2026 municipal budget; hearings set for July 15
Summary
The Newark Municipal Council on June 3 heard a presentation from Business Administrator Eric Pennington introducing a $900,500,264.94 2026 municipal budget. Pennington said the municipal levy fell about 1% but overall spending rises about 5% mainly because of an approximately $34 million county payment tied to revaluation timing; the council scheduled public hearings and members demanded more detailed department packets before final votes.
Eric Pennington, Newark’s business administrator, introduced the city’s proposed 2026 municipal budget as $900,500,264.94 and told the Municipal Council the municipal levy portion has decreased by about 1%.
“The municipal levy portion of that budget has decreased about 1%,” Pennington said, while noting the overall increase is “in the range of 5%” largely because of “about a $34 million increase that we have to pay to the county” tied to a ratio imbalance from the city’s delayed revaluation. He said the revaluation is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter and that additional budget detail would be provided to council members.
Why it matters: The introduction moves the budget into the public-review process and sets a July 15 public hearing date on the proposed spending plan. Council members pressed the administration for department-level packets and full backup so they can evaluate assumptions — particularly one-shot revenues and property-sale proceeds that the administration flagged as part of the financing mix.
Council members voiced a mix of appreciation for the earlier-than-usual introduction and concern about receiving material late. Councilman Gonzalez said he welcomed receiving the budget earlier than in prior years but asked for more detail so he could “contribute with my two cents.” Councilman Ramos asked whether the $34 million payment to the county was included and whether the city would need to borrow; Pennington said the payment is included and the city is not looking to borrow from the state to cover it.
Public comment echoed calls for transparency. Donna Jackson, a council-elect at-large, criticized what she described as a rushed process and said public hearings should be spread out and scheduled at times that allow working residents to attend. “I have a problem with that,” Jackson said, arguing the council must restore more opportunity for community input before final adoption.
Next steps: The council recorded roll-call support for moving the introduced budget forward. The administration said it will provide supplemental materials and schedule department-level hearings, and the public hearing on the introduced budget is set for July 15.
