Passaic County's tax hike blamed on health insurance cost jump
Insurance News Net
Last updated: May 21, 2026
Passaic County has approved its $496.3 million budget for 2026, marking the third consecutive year of increased county taxes. The primary driver for this latest tax hike is the significant rise in health insurance costs.
- Passaic County's 2026 budget totals $496.3 million, a figure that necessitated an increase in the county tax levy for the third year in a row.
- The majority of this tax increase is attributed to escalating health insurance expenses.
- The adopted budget plans to raise $383.8 million through the county purpose tax.
- This represents an increase from the $360.8 million collected via the county purpose tax in 2025.
- The decision impacts taxpayers within Passaic County, who will experience another rise in their tax burdens.
- The focus on health insurance costs highlights a significant budgetary pressure point for the county.
- The adopted budget reflects the financial priorities and challenges facing Passaic County government.
- This financial planning aims to cover county operations and services for the upcoming fiscal year.
- The increase in the county tax levy is a direct consequence of managing these rising operational costs.
- The budget's adoption signifies the county's fiscal decisions for the 2026 period.
