Collected and spent
In 2022, Essex County spent about $833.2M. This is a Census of Governments estimate across all of its funds.
Where the money comes from
One tax.
Details
Essex County 2024 Abstract of Ratables — Section 12A (p.4) Net County Taxes Apportioned (pre-state-aid) $451,435,003.49 plus Section 12-B (p.5) County Open Space Taxes Apportioned $18,479,748.26, divided by the county's total equalized valuation (p.3, "Net Valuation For County Tax Apportionment") $123,198,283,264 = 0.38143% true-value rate (3.814 mills), the same rate for every town in Essex CountyWhere it goes
Twelve service lines.
Show all 12 linesShow fewer lines
Bars in both tables share one scale. Hatched lines pay for past obligations, not current services.
Who decides
A County Executive runs the county's offices. The board makes county laws. It must approve the budget. It can override a veto with 2/3 of its votes. 9 Commissioners. 5 are elected by district and 4 at large.
Details
N.J.S.A. 40:41A-41 (Board powers), county executive plan, from the Legislature's official statutes file (STATUTES-TEXT.zip,When decisions happen
A county introduces its budget by March 31 and adopts it by April 30. The next regular meeting after each date also counts.
How to reach it
Details
N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 (introduction) and 40A:4-10 (adoption), Local Budget Law, from the Legislature's official statutes file (STATUTES-TEXT.zip,Also on this tax bill
An Essex County address pays these governments too. Which school districts and cities apply depends on the address.
On every bill in Essex County
On some bills, depending on the address
School districts: 29. Find yours by address.
Cities: 27. Find yours by address.
Sources
Details
Essex County 2024 Abstract of Ratables — Section 12A (p.4) Net County Taxes Apportioned (pre-state-aid) $451,435,003.49 plus Section 12-B (p.5) County Open Space Taxes Apportioned $18,479,748.26, divided by the county's total equalized valuation (p.3, "Net Valuation For County Tax Apportionment") $123,198,283,264 = 0.38143% true-value rate (3.814 mills), the same rate for every town in Essex CountyDetails
N.J.S.A. 40:41A-41 (Board powers), county executive plan, from the Legislature's official statutes file (STATUTES-TEXT.zip,Details
N.J.S.A. 40A:4-5 (introduction) and 40A:4-10 (adoption), Local Budget Law, from the Legislature's official statutes file (STATUTES-TEXT.zip,Details
Essex County Board of County Commissioners, Members (read 2026-10-10)To act on what you have read
Who Taxes Me describes. These three tools, made by the same team, are where you can do something about it. Each opens in a new tab.