SOMERS POINT — The Somers Point Board of Education introduced its $20,390,930 tentative budget for 2026-27 on March 26, calling for a tax levy of $13,747,415.
That’s up about $1.6 million from the current spending plan, which called for raising $12.1 million in taxation.
The overall budget is up about $400,000 from the $19.9 million plan adopted May 1, 2025. That included a tax rate increase of 4.2 cents to $1.12 per $100 of assessed value. No information was provided on the anticipated tax rate change. Superintendent Ted Pugliese said more information would be provided during the next board meeting, which is set to begin at 6:45 p.m. April 30 at Jordan Road School.
The tentative budget includes a general fund of $16,776,665, special revenue fund of $2,506,821 and debt service of $1,107,444. It has been sent to the executive county superintendent for approval.
The spending plan includes a $648,080 adjustment for health benefits cost and a $100,000 withdrawal from the Maintenance Reserve Account.
Somers Point City Council introduced its $21,775,398 spending plan March 26. It would boost the tax rate by 3.6 cents to $1.18 per $100 of assessed value. The owner of a $300,000 home would pay $3,540 in municipal taxes.
Last year, the district eliminated 15 positions and raised the tax rate 5.49 percent. The owner of a $300,000 home saw an annual increase of $126 to $2,415 in local school taxes.
Mainland Regional High School introduced its tentative budget March 23. Somers Point would pick up the largest portion of the levy at $10.5 million, or 42.38 percent. That’s partially due to the bay-side city’s greater overall real estate value. The tax would jump $58.18 per $100,000 of assessed value.
– By CRAIG D. SCHENCK/Sentinel staff
