Hunterdon County adopts $132.4 million 2026 budget, holds tax rate flat

Hunterdon County commissioners on May 19 adopted the county’s $132,396,215 2026 budget and preserved a previously enacted tax-rate reduction, keeping the county tax rate flat at 0.306.

The budget, which county staff said is fully cap-compliant and cleared by the county’s auditors and the Division of Local Government Services, calls for $96,301,318.34 to be raised by taxes, uses a $25,800,000 fund balance contribution and includes just over $36 million in capital spending. Commissioners noted the budget preserves the county’s debt-free record and funds targeted priorities including renovation and expansion of the county senior center, a new first-responder grant program, and record investments in career and technical education.

“Tonight’s adoption of the fiscal year 2026 budget reflects months of discipline line‑by‑line review to ensure we are delivering maximum value to taxpayers while continuing to invest,” said Commissioner Vandoren, a budget co‑liaison. He also highlighted programs funded in the plan, including support for the Hunterdon County Vocational School District and a new first‑responder grant program.

Commissioner Mark Lawrence noted the budget includes a record investment in career and technical education to support workforce development and said the plan keeps the county on solid fiscal footing while supporting local priorities.

Votes at a glance - 2026 County Budget (adoption): Adopted by roll call; total appropriations $132,396,215; tax rate 0.306. Outcome: approved. - Open Space, Recreation, Farmland Preservation & Historic Preservation Tax: Rate flat for 2026; amount to be raised $9,453,008.80. Outcome: approved. - Hunterdon County Library Tax: Rate flat for 2026; amount to be raised $9,129,950.13. Outcome: approved. - Bond Ordinances (introduced; public hearings set for June 16): Bond Ordinance 2026‑2 (various capital improvements; appropriation $8,760,000; bonds authorized $8,342,857); Bond Ordinance 2026‑3 (roadway improvements; appropriation $8,250,000; bonds authorized $7,857,142); Bond Ordinance 2026‑4 (bridge and culvert improvements; appropriation $7,515,000; bonds authorized $7,157,142). Outcome: introduction approved; hearings set June 16. - Capital ordinances introduced (public hearing June 16): Vehicle acquisition appropriation $1,187,939; heavy equipment/trucks $991,000; furnishings/fixtures/equipment $582,500; IT improvements $4,163,462; open‑space/farmland acquisitions appropriation $4,560,000 (from the open space trust fund). Outcome: introduction approved; hearings set June 16.

County officials said the budget is balanced and avoids new long‑term debt, and staff will present the introduced ordinances for public hearing on June 16. The board closed the budget public hearing without public comment and approved the budget by roll call.

The meeting record shows the board remains focused on capital improvements and targeted service investments while preserving a low tax burden for residents; public hearings on the introduced ordinances are scheduled June 16.