Hunterdon County commissioner calls for 2026 tax rate freeze, proposes new fire and EMS grant program
FLMEINGTON, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners held its annual reorganization meeting Jan. 6, setting its leadership for 2026 and reaffirming priorities centered on fiscal responsibility, public safety and municipal partnerships.
During the meeting, Commissioner Director John E. Lanza called for a freeze on the county tax rate for 2026, continuing the board’s recent emphasis on tax restraint.
“In 2026, protecting last year’s historic county tax rate reduction will be a top priority of this Board,” Lanza said. “Our goal is clear: hold the line on taxes while continuing to deliver essential services and invest wisely in our communities.”
Lanza was sworn into his fifth term as commissioner by his father, John R. Lanza, and then administered the oath of office for a second consecutive term as commissioner director by Superior Court Judge John J. Burke III. Commissioner Jeff Kuhl was elected deputy director for 2026 and sworn in by Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio. Commissioner Zachary T. Rich was sworn in by Sen. Doug Steinhardt.
The meeting drew a large audience that included Assemblyman Erik Peterson, representatives from the offices of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Rep. Tom Kean Jr., county constitutional officers, municipal officials and county staff. Scout Troops 108B and 108G led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Chaplain Larry Coyne delivered the invocation and benediction.
Lanza thanked his family, colleagues and county voters before outlining the board’s priorities for the coming year, which include fiscal stewardship, farmland preservation, economic growth and continued collaboration with municipalities.
“I am deeply grateful to the voters of Hunterdon County for once again entrusting me with the honor of serving another term,” Lanza said. “That trust guides every decision we make on behalf of our residents and taxpayers.”
Lanza highlighted the county’s financial position, noting that Hunterdon remains debt-free and reached its lowest county tax rate in 11 years following reductions in 2024 and 2025. He said preserving those gains will guide budget decisions in 2026.
As part of a renewed focus on municipal partnerships, Lanza pointed to nearly $4 million in direct grants distributed to the county’s 26 municipalities in 2025 and announced a proposal for a new $500,000 county grant program aimed at helping local fire and emergency medical services organizations purchase lifesaving equipment and critical response gear.
He also said the county plans to solicit bids in early 2026 for Phases 2 and 3 of the Emergency Services Training Center, a nearly $10 million project being completed without county debt and supported by a $3.2 million federal grant.
Additional initiatives outlined for 2026 include launching the Hunterdon County Improvement Authority to help municipalities reduce borrowing costs, continued farmland and open-space preservation amid state housing mandates, and expanded support for small businesses, tourism and film production through the county’s “Explore Hunterdon” brand.
“As we begin 2026, our focus remains on strong partnerships, smarter government, and always putting taxpayers first,” Lanza said. “Together, we will continue to keep Hunterdon County one of the safest, healthiest, and best places in America to raise a family.”
