Hunterdon County Proposes Budget, Plans Tax Cut To 2015 Levels

The Hunterdon County Commissioners announced recently a proposed Fiscal Year 2024 budget that would lower the county tax rate to its 2015 level.

The proposed spending plan totals $112,069,887 and marks a decrease from last year’s $118.8 million budget. The proposed budget is a 5.7 percent decrease in county revenues year-over-year.

The proposed budget includes a tax rate reduction from .315 to .309 per $100 of assessed property value.

According to the commissioners, the proposal is part of an effort by the county government to continue fiscal discipline and maintain a debt-free status for the tenth consecutive year.

Commissioner Shaun Van Doren, the budget co-liaison, said the creation of the budget was meticulous.

“The FY24 budget also includes funding for two major priorities outlined by Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl for 2024; a $1 million grant fund to support municipal infrastructure improvements and a $1 million grant fund to support the refurbishment of municipal parks,” Van Doren stated.

The budget proposes using New Jersey Department of Transportation grant dollars to match county spending on county infrastructure, like bridges and roadway resurfacing.

Commissioners Deputy Director Susan Soloway highlighted the significance of this year’s tax rate reduction.

“As inflation continues to hit homeowners and families hard, with rising costs all around, at the pump, at the grocery store, even at McDonald’s, a reduction in the tax rate is sure to be welcomed,” Soloway said.

The proposed sending allocates more money for public health and safety, including expanded clinical services for seniors, veterans, and the underinsured, and the implementation of a “Next Generation 9-1-1 system,” a statement said.

The budget reflects the board’s strategy of “pay-as-you-go” capital spending, which has kept the county free of debt since 2014, the commissioners said.

Van Doren acknowledged the efforts of Commissioner John Lanza, the Hunterdon County CFO Andrew Bernath, and other key budget committee members for their roles in preparing the spending plan.

A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held on May 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the county offices located at 71 Main Street in Flemington.