Union County manager presents $547.11M 2026 executive budget, cites rising health costs and SNAP cuts
April 01, 2026 | Union County, New Jersey
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County Manager Edward T. Oatman presented the Union County Board of County Commissioners with a $547,110,036.23 2026 Executive Budget on Feb. 26, saying the plan includes a 2% increase in the tax levy over 2025 to cover rising fixed costs.
Oatman told the board the budget is being prepared amid “significant fiscal pressure,” pointing to reductions in federal funding and sharp increases in employee health and prescription benefit costs. He said the county must act with fiscal discipline to protect essential services and vulnerable residents while maintaining county operations.
“This budget reflects disciplined decision‑making at a time of uncertainty and positions Union County to remain financially stable while meeting the needs of our community,” Oatman said.
The presentation flagged program-level pressures including a projected combined 21% increase in health and prescription benefit costs for 2026 and an anticipated reduction in SNAP funding described as “several million dollars” in 2026. Director Taylor later told the board that health claims in November and December 2025 exceeded projections and that transfers from appropriation reserves would be required to cover $5,936,845.04 in related claims.
Chairman Joseph C. Bodek thanked county staff for preparing the budget and noted the county’s goal of avoiding service interruptions despite federal funding cuts.
No formal vote on the budget was recorded at the Feb. 26 meeting; the presentation was provided to the board for consideration as staff and commissioners continue deliberations.
Oatman told the board the budget is being prepared amid “significant fiscal pressure,” pointing to reductions in federal funding and sharp increases in employee health and prescription benefit costs. He said the county must act with fiscal discipline to protect essential services and vulnerable residents while maintaining county operations.
“This budget reflects disciplined decision‑making at a time of uncertainty and positions Union County to remain financially stable while meeting the needs of our community,” Oatman said.
The presentation flagged program-level pressures including a projected combined 21% increase in health and prescription benefit costs for 2026 and an anticipated reduction in SNAP funding described as “several million dollars” in 2026. Director Taylor later told the board that health claims in November and December 2025 exceeded projections and that transfers from appropriation reserves would be required to cover $5,936,845.04 in related claims.
Chairman Joseph C. Bodek thanked county staff for preparing the budget and noted the county’s goal of avoiding service interruptions despite federal funding cuts.
No formal vote on the budget was recorded at the Feb. 26 meeting; the presentation was provided to the board for consideration as staff and commissioners continue deliberations.
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