RED BANK — The city of Red Bank approved its 2027 budget with a property tax rate of $1.29 per $100 of assessed value, a 16-cent increase.

Commissioner Jamie Fairbanks Harvey cast the sole opposing vote. She stated increases for department heads contributed to budget expenses. Fairbanks Harvey said, "There is a disconnect in income between Red Bank residents and the employees of Red Bank."

The general budget allocates $12,822,425 for expenses and anticipates $12,016,128 in revenues. A projected shortfall of $806,297 will be covered using the city's fund balance. The budget includes a 2.35 percent cost of living adjustment for all city employees.

Mayor Stefanie Dalton stated the adjustment is lower than the annual adjustment used by Social Security. Dalton and Vice Mayor Hollie Berry stated recent salary adjustments ensure adequate employee compensation following 2023 raises.

Multiple residents opposed the approved budget during public comment. One resident said during public comment, "Some of the city's taxpayers have to have two jobs to pay for those increases for Red Bank employees. I hope the vote from the commissioners reflected what all the citizens in Red Bank want, not just the ones who vote your way."

The city will terminate its service agreement with CARTA's Care-a-Van program for disabled residents at the end of December. A five-year Capital Improvements Plan covering fiscal years 2027 through 2031 was adopted. The city will offer a 100 percent match to state property tax relief program funds for qualifying low-income residents; 138 residents currently qualify for this benefit.