Hunterdon County commissioners cite fiscal discipline, partnerships in 2025 year-end review
HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — The Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners reflected on a year marked by fiscal discipline, strategic investment and expanded municipal partnerships during its final meeting of 2025.
Commissioner Director John E. Lanza reviewed the county’s accomplishments at the Dec. 16 meeting, highlighting balanced budgeting, infrastructure improvements and collaborative initiatives aimed at strengthening communities across the county.
Lanza pointed to the county’s commitment to a “New Era of Partnership” with municipalities, an initiative launched under former Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl. That effort resulted in the distribution of $500,000 in law enforcement grants to 22 municipalities in 2025, funding police equipment, technology upgrades and public safety improvements.
The board also fulfilled its pledge to protect the 2024 county tax rate cut. Through the work of county leadership, department heads and the Budget Committee — led by Deputy Director Shaun C. Van Doren and Commissioner Zach Rich — the county preserved the reduction and lowered the tax rate to its lowest level in 11 years. The county also maintained its debt-free status for the 11th consecutive year.
“Responsible fiscal management and strategic investment went hand in hand in 2025,” said Director Lanza. “Through collaboration and accountability, we delivered progress without debt and strengthened our collaboration with our local officials.”
Open space preservation and recreational investment remained priorities. The 2025 county budget included an additional $1 million in municipal parks and recreation grants awarded to 20 municipalities. Combined with a $1.242 million allocation in 2024, the county’s total investment now stands at $2.242 million, supporting park and recreation projects across all 26 municipalities.
Commissioners also advanced shared services initiatives through regular collaboration sessions with municipal leaders. Those discussions led to the creation of the Hunterdon County Improvement Authority, a voluntary financing tool designed to reduce municipal borrowing costs by leveraging the county’s Triple-A bond rating. An independent analysis by Phoenix Advisors estimated municipalities could have saved nearly $700,000 in interest costs over the past two years had the program been in place. With approval from the New Jersey Local Finance Board, the authority is expected to begin offering savings opportunities in 2026.
Looking ahead, Lanza announced the Hunterdon County Health Department will assume responsibility for food truck inspection and registration in 2026. Developed in collaboration with small businesses and local mayors, the initiative will create a one-stop inspection process with a single fee structure, replacing 26 separate municipal systems while strengthening food safety oversight.
The board also approved long-planned renovations to the 70-year-old Arboretum, a centerpiece of the county park system. The project will improve accessibility under the Americans with Disabilities Act, enhance energy efficiency, expand visitor services and support online and hybrid programming. The county park system serves more than 300,000 visitors annually.
In addition, the county received final approval from USDA Rural Development to prepare bid phases two and three of the Emergency Services Training Center. The facility serves as the county’s primary training hub for first responders, offering instruction ranging from basic certification to advanced rescue and leadership training.
The year also marked the opening of the Hunterdon County Career & Technical Schools North Campus in Clinton Township, the county’s first full-time vocational high school. The 36,000-square-foot facility was built without issuing debt and offers six career and technical education programs. Nearly 75% of the project’s funding came from the state’s Securing Our Children’s Future Bond Act.
Director Lanza closed by emphasizing the board’s approach to governance.
“We proved this year that sound fiscal management and meaningful investment are not mutually exclusive. By honoring the trust of our taxpayers and working in partnership with our municipalities and community stakeholders, we delivered progress without debt and preserved what makes Hunterdon, Hunterdon.”
