Spending is Skyrocketing: Ocean County budget rises to $655.6M as tax levy jumps 4.5% for 2026

Officials approve higher spending plan while increase its public information dept. three-fold

Toms River, NJ – Ocean County officials have approved a $655.6 million budget for 2026, marking a significant increase in spending and a 4.5% rise in the amount to be raised through property taxes. The newly adopted budget totals $655,659,528, up from $626,982,088 in 2025, an increase of nearly $47 million, according to county budget documents.

Despite the increase, county officials said the t...