Atlantic County, NJ Executive Wants All 21 Counties To Pay For Casinos

So as not to “bury” the lead … Atlantic County, New Jersey taxpayers … You’re going to be getting a tax rate decrease in 2026.

Further, Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson doesn’t think it’s fair that only Atlantic County taxpayers pay for the Atlantic City casinos, when the entire state benefits from their contribution.

Levinson took this position early during his annual (2026) budget address to the Atlantic County Board of Commissioners.

He wants all 21 Counties to be required to pay Atlantic City casino taxes.

Levinson’s State-Wide Casino Taxes Proposal

Casinos benefit all state taxpayers, yet only those living in Atlantic County are required to support them with their tax dollars. Let's require taxpayers in all 21 counties to contribute. It's really just a matter of fundamental fairness. Why should one county foot the entire bill for something that benefits all? said Levinson.

Levinson Also Suggested That  …

What is now needed, and has been lacking all along, is a regulated property tax assessment program. If properties were accurately and consistently assessed,

There would be no need for a PILOT. As hard as we work to reduce county taxes, many residents fail to benefit from those savings. Instead, their tax bills reflect increases based upon inflated property values., said Levinson.

Levinson Addressed The Atlantic County Jail

We face other difficult decisions this year. One being what to do with our Atlantic County Justice Facility. Up until a few weeks ago, we had the option of joining a regional jail with Camden and Cumberland counties that was to be built in Winslow Township. After some strong pushback from its own residents,

Camden County has decided not to pursue that project. If we agree to build a new Atlantic County jail next to the current jail, we will need to complete construction prior to demolishing the current jail. I will rely on the board's jail committee to perform its due diligence and assist us in developing a plan. I have assigned Special Projects Director Steve O'Connor to this task, said Levinson.

“Atlantic County Remains Financially Secure,” said Levinson

We continue to retain our top tier credit ratings in addition to 26 consecutive years with a perfect audit. I don't know of any other county in the state, or perhaps the country, that can make that claim, said Levinson.

2026 Atlantic County Budget Submitted By Levinson

Levinson confirmed that in 2026, he will be adding $ 22.5 million of surplus, a little more than 50%, to the county budget.

Earlier today, Levinson introduced a $ 283 million budget, as follows:

$ 198.5 million tax levy and the general purpose tax rate will be reduced by 2 cents.

Levinson confirmed that in the 26 years that he has been at Atlantic County Executive, this will be the eighteenth time he has lowered the tax rate.