HUNTERDON COUNTY, NJ – Hunterdon County’s Board of Commissioners this week approved a spending freeze through the end of the year for all non-critical operational spending by County Departments, to combat inflation and ensure continued fiscal integrity for county finances.
Hunterdon County’s Board of Commissioners Director John E. Lanza stated, “As the County budget grapples with the inflationary costs that are affecting all businesses and families, the Board is concerned that all Departments remain within budgeted allocations. Only those items of urgent and critical need will be considered for expenditure for the remainder of the calendar year and will require sign off by the County Administrator.”
“Our conservative fiscal philosophy, adherence to sound financial controls, and concern for the taxpayers have contributed significantly to the County Commissioners ability to freeze the county tax rate for each of the last four years. Inflation driven cost increases for goods and services are creating an even greater challenge to Departmental efforts to hold the line and the spending freeze will help toward continuing that effort,” Lanza said.
A member of the Board’s Budget Committee, Lanza added, “The County’s CFO advises that suspending expenditures on discretionary and non-critical items at this point in the budget year is a recommended best practice for fiscal controls. While keeping a lid on expenditures, the Administrator’s oversight of the spending approval process will still ensure that county operations continue to meet the requirements of state mandates and deliver critical services such as snow removal and public safety.”
