SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ – The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners has adopted the County’s
$117.4 million budget for 2022.
The budget, introduced on March 9, was subsequently adopted at the April 6 meeting. The 2022 County budget reflects a decrease in the county tax rate from $0.5451 in 2021 to $0.5219.
In addition to maintaining and enhancing service levels in the County, this year’s budget reflects the commissioner board’s goals of financial accountability, meeting the demands of county stakeholders and investing in the county’s infrastructure.
The 2022 County Budget also advances a number of county priorities including the development of an asset management system, public works staffing resources to fulfill highway occupancy permit requirements, funding for on-going legacy site remediation projects and maintains funding levels for debt service and capital improvements consistent with the board’s adopted debt policy.
The 2022 Capital Improvement Program includes bridge replacements, guide rail maintenance and repair, building improvements at various County facilities, matching funds for Sussex County Community College’s Securing Our Children’s Future Grant award, Sussex County Technical School building improvements, communication system replacements and road resurfacing.
The annual budget covers the cost of maintaining all county roads, bridges, emergency management services, 911 emergency communications, law enforcement through the Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s offices, elections, deed recording and passport services in the County Clerk’s Office, probates and adoptions through the Surrogate’s office, health and human services as well as numerous additional programs and services.
“I’m extremely proud of all the effort and collaboration that has went into the construction of this budget which provides for the needs of our residents and stakeholders at a pivotal time for Sussex County, with fiscal responsibility serving as its root. Despite mandated cost increases and high inflation, the county tax rate has decreased compared to last year while still being able to address important county objectives and enhance services. Sussex County will maintain a stable financial outlook and strong budgetary performance due to our continued commitment to prudent, long-term financial planning that is based in financial reality,” Commissioner Director Fasano said.
“As always the board of county commissioners do our best to be fiscally responsible at the same time providing the best services and infrastructure we can. Paying down county debt while creating a quality work place is important and priority for the board. We thank all our staff with their help in the passing of this year’s budget,” Deputy Director Carney said.
“I am proud to stand behind a budget which represents a DECREASE in the County tax rate from $0.5451 in 2021 to $0.5219 in 2022. With unprecedented increases to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments due from the County to assist Sussex County residents seeking care in state mental health facilities, and sharp increases in retirement funding, the County was able to move forward with our goals of increasing pay for county workers, workers who stood strong during the pandemic even when multiple departments in the State of NJ did not, enhancing health and human services, expanding our budget for the Office of Bridge and Traffic Safety, providing safe, upgraded transportation vehicles to best serve our seniors, supporting engineering and planning, and our technical high school and county college. And again, we stayed the course with our plan to increase funding towards debt services to reduce our county debt. I thank our constitutional officers and our department heads for their fiscal responsibility and for making the board’s vision possible,” Commissioner Fantasia said.
“The County has spent a lot of time working on our budget and with the guidance of our financial plan were able to continue to keep the taxes within a reasonable rate,” Commissioner Yardley said.
For a copies of the county budget and budget presentation, click here.
