TOMS RIVER - The Ocean County Board of Commissioners adopted the 2026 County budget on April 15, highlighting its focus on managing continued growth while maintaining a stable property tax rate.
The adopted budget totals $655,659,528, with $544,639,035 to be raised by taxation and $39.5 million in surplus funding. The County's ratable base stands at $193.1 billion, allowing the tax rate to remain stable at 28.2 cents per $100 of equalized property value.
"As our population increases, so does the demand for essential services," said Commissioner Director Frank Sadeghi. "This budget meets those needs in a responsible and sustainable way, supporting our growing community while maintaining the high quality of life Ocean County is known for."
The full budget is available online at
www.co.ocean.nj.us.
The budget includes $93,076,806 for capital improvements to support infrastructure, public facilities, and recreational assets across all 33 municipalities. Among the major projects is a $20.25 million investment in Robert J. Miller Air Park in Berkeley Township, including construction of a new maintenance hangar and two six-bay box hangars to support economic growth and aviation activity.
More than $13 million is allocated for improvements at Ocean County Vocational Technical School campuses and Ocean County College, including over $6 million dedicated to renovating instructional facilities for dental hygiene, radiography, and veterinary programs.
Key infrastructure projects include $14 million to continue the Route 539 overpass in Plumsted Township, improving safety near Joint Base, and $5 million for intersection improvements along Whitesville Road in Jackson and Toms River.
The budget also funds essential county services, including $10.7 million for senior, veteran, and human services programs; $28.3 million for road improvements; $21.4 million for social services; $10.1 million for parks and recreation; $4.6 million for transportation programs such as Ocean Ride; and $96.5 million for law and public safety.
The Board noted the budget maintains Ocean County's AAA bond rating, complies with the state's 2 percent cap, and reflects a continued commitment to fiscal discipline while addressing the needs of a growing county.
In a joint statement, the Commissioners said, "We extend our sincere appreciation to the dedicated County staff whose diligence and expertise made the development of this budget possible. While the figures presented are substantial, they represent the essential services, critical infrastructure, and vital programs that support and enhance the quality of life for the residents of Ocean County each and every day."
