Cape May County Board of Commissioners
The Cape May County Board of Commissioners introduced a 2026 county budget Tuesday that reflects continued fiscal stability while delivering a reduction in the county tax rate.
The proposed budget totals nearly $223.3 million, representing a decrease of $943,325, or 0.4 percent, compared to the 2025 spending plan.
Despite ongoing investments in infrastructure, technology, and community programs, the budget includes a tax rate decrease of 0.009 from 2025, reflecting the county’s strong financial position and continued growth in property values, according to a news release.
Cape May County’s net ratable valuation has reached $104.7 billion, an increase of $7.55 billion, or 7.8 percent, over the previous year. As a result of that growth, each penny on the county tax rate now generates $10,773,323, an increase of $1,055,841 compared to 2025, the release said.
Approximately 75 percent of the county budget is supported through the tax levy, while the remaining 25 percent is funded through grants and other anticipated revenues.
Commission Director Leonard Desiderio said the budget reflects the county’s commitment to responsible financial management while continuing to invest in essential services and long-term infrastructure.
“The introduction of our 2026 budget demonstrates the county’s continued commitment to fiscal responsibility and strategic investment,” Desiderio said in the release. “We are able to present a budget that reduces the tax rate while maintaining strong services, supporting important infrastructure improvements, and planning for the long-term needs of our residents.”
The budget also maintains stable debt service levels and includes support for several upcoming bond ordinances that will fund road, bridges, HVAC, and other capital improvement projects.
The county has also allocated substantial downpayment funding within the capital program to support anticipated infrastructure needs and any unforeseen projects.
Cape May County also entered 2026 in a strong financial position, with the budget surplus increasing by $1.8 million compared to 2025, ensuring a healthy reserve moving forward, the release stated.
The budget includes a $621,755 increase in funding for CMC Technical High School and the Special Services School District.
In addition, the budget sets aside $552,000 in operating funds for new homeless programming, along with $250,000 in capital funding to support those initiatives as program development continues.
Earlier this year, the county adopted a $6 million capital plan for its departments. The plan includes technology upgrades, heavy equipment, facility improvements, specialized law enforcement equipment for the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and various other needs.
The 2026 budget will now move through the review process before final adoption later this spring.
