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Union County introduces $559.2 million 2026 budget, proposes 2% tax levy increase
Summary
Fiscal chair Kimberly Palmeri Modad introduced a $559,192,647.06 executive budget that would raise the county tax levy 2%, driven largely by rising health and prescription costs; a public hearing is set for April 30, 2026.
Kimberly Palmeri Modad, chair of the fiscal committee, introduced the Union County 2026 executive budget on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners, proposing a total of $559,192,647.06 and a 2% increase in the county tax levy. Palmeri Modad said the rise in the levy is driven largely by fixed costs, including a 21% increase in health and prescription benefits.
"Tonight, we introduce the Union County 2026 executive budget in the amount of $559,192,647.06, reflecting the careful planning during a time of significant fiscal pressure," Palmeri Modad said. She credited the county manager, department directors and finance staff for preparing the plan and said the proposal maintains essential services while preserving the county27s strong bond rating.
County Manager Ed Oatman presented a video overview that traced department accomplishments and priorities, noting uncertainty in federal grant funding for human services, public health and workforce development. "Through disciplined budgeting and long term planning, we have built a foundation that allows us to respond when residents need us most," Oatman said in the video.
The package highlights investments across public safety, infrastructure and human services, and the presentation emphasizes continuing programs such as Meals to You, mental-health programming, park maintenance and open-space grants. Palmeri Modad said the budget also supports planned programming tied to the county27s 250th-anniversary events and potential tourism related to the FIFA World Cup.
The board set a public hearing on the 2026 county budget for April 30, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.; the budget adoption resolution is scheduled for that meeting. Members of the public raised questions during the meeting about specific line items, contracts and the county27s reserves.
Bruce Patterson of Garwood, during public comment, challenged several budgetary choices and cited personnel salaries and available reserves. County Manager Oatman responded to several of Patterson27s questions later in the meeting, saying specific projects (including litigation and phased construction work) are being tracked and explaining allowable uses for certain federal funds cited by Patterson.
What happens next: the board will hold the public hearing on April 30. The county manager and finance staff said they would continue outreach to help residents understand the budget details and timelines.
