Hunterdon County adopts $132.4 million budget, maintains tax rate and 12-year debt-free streak
FLEMINGTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Hunterdon County Board of County Commissioners has adopted a $132.4 million Fiscal Year 2026 budget that preserves the county tax rate at its current level while extending the county’s 12-year debt-free record.
The adopted budget totals $132,398,215 and maintains the county tax rate at $0.306, which officials said remains at its lowest level since 2014. County leaders said the spending plan reflects a continued focus on affordability, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure investment and partnerships with local municipalities.
Commissioner Shaun C. Van Doren, co-liaison to the Budget Committee, said the budget was developed through months of detailed review.
“Tonight’s adoption of the FY26 budget reflects months of disciplined, line-by-line review to ensure we are delivering maximum value to taxpayers while continuing to ease the burden on residents facing rising costs of living,” said Commissioner Van Doren. “Last year, this Board committed to reducing the county tax rate for the second consecutive year, and with tonight’s adoption, we are proud to preserve that tax cut and maintain the county tax rate at its lowest level since 2014.”
Commissioner Zach Rich highlighted the budget’s emphasis on workforce development, education and public safety.
“One of the major priorities reflected in tonight’s adopted budget is investing in workforce development and preparing our students for the future economy,” said Commissioner Rich. “This budget includes a record investment in career and technical education, including support for advanced manufacturing and other high-demand workforce programs that will help ensure Hunterdon County remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy.”
The spending plan includes $3.8 million for the renovation and expansion of the Hunterdon County Senior Center. The project is supported in part by a $1.5 million federal grant secured through U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. and is intended to expand programming and services for the county’s growing senior population.
The budget also establishes a new $500,000 First Responder Grant Program to help local fire, rescue and emergency medical service organizations with equipment purchases and capital improvements.
County officials said the budget continues what they described as an “Era of Partnership” with municipalities through shared services initiatives and local grant programs designed to control costs and improve services.
Commissioner Director John E. Lanza said the budget reflects the board’s broader priorities.
“Tonight’s adoption of the FY26 budget embodies the core values that continue to guide this Board — fiscal responsibility, strategic investment, affordability, and a strong commitment to taxpayers,” said Director Lanza. “With this budget, we have protected last year’s tax rate reduction, maintained Hunterdon County’s 12-year debt-free record, and continued investing in the services and infrastructure that matter most to our residents.”
Lanza also thanked county staff and members of the Budget Committee for their work developing the spending plan.
“I want to thank Commissioners Van Doren and Rich for their outstanding work as Budget Co-Liaisons, along with our department heads, finance team, and staff, whose diligence and collaboration helped make this budget possible,” Director Lanza added. “Their thoughtful approach and attention to detail helped ensure we adopted a budget that is fiscally responsible, forward-looking, and responsive to the needs of Hunterdon County residents.”
County officials said the budget reinforces Hunterdon County’s commitment to maintaining affordability, supporting public services and preserving a strong financial foundation for the future.
