Essex County Holds 2024 Budget Hearings: Will Tax Hike Stand?

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County Board of Commissioners has embarked on one of its most important annual responsibilities: reviewing the county’s proposed budget.

The commissioner board held 2024 budget hearings this week, listing to presentations from each of its 21 departments about their financial needs for the upcoming year.

Watch the board’s current meeting video here, and see previous meeting videos here.

Earlier this month, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. presented a $858.7 million spending plan to the board. If it crosses the finish line, the budget would mean a 1.75 percent tax increase for local property owners. See Related: Essex County May Hike Property Taxes For Homeowners In 2024 Budget

Property taxes in New Jersey are mostly made up of three parts: school, municipal and county. See Related: Highest NJ Property Taxes (See Where Your Town Ranks On New List)

Last year’s county spending plan also included a tax increase for local homeowners. See Related: Tax Hike Expected In 2023 Essex County Budget, Official Says

Approving county administrators’ proposed budget is one of the major responsibilities of the commissioner board. Other powers include passing ordinances and resolutions, overriding a veto of the county executive and conducting investigations.

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