The Ocean County Board of Commissioners on April 15 adopted a $655.7 million budget for 2026, emphasizing continued growth management while holding the county’s property tax rate steady.
The spending plan includes $544.6 million to be raised through taxation and $39.5 million in surplus funding. With a ratable base of $193.1 billion, officials said the tax rate will remain unchanged at 28.2 cents per $100 of equalized property value.
Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi said the budget is designed to meet rising demand for services tied to population growth while maintaining fiscal stability.
The budget allocates $93.1 million for capital improvements across all 33 municipalities. That includes a $20.25 million investment in Robert J. Miller Air Park for new aviation facilities, and more than $13 million for upgrades at Ocean County Vocational Technical School campuses and Ocean County College.
Infrastructure funding also includes $14 million for the Route 539 overpass in Plumsted Township and $5 million for intersection improvements along Whitesville Road in Jackson and Toms River.
Additional allocations cover $96.5 million for law and public safety, $28.3 million for roadwork, $21.4 million for social services, and $10.7 million for senior, veteran, and human services programs.
Officials said the budget complies with New Jersey’s 2% cap and maintains the county’s AAA bond rating.
