Spending Increases, But Taxes Don't, In $365.3M Morris County Budget

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Though costs have been rising for Morris County government, officials said residents will not see a tax rate increase even as this year's projected budget is up by $20 million.

Commissioners said the 2024 Morris County budget does not include a tax rate hike because of prudent fiscal management, and a growing number of high-value or "ratable" taxable properties. The board will consider adopting the proposed $365.3 million spending plan at their April 10 meeting.

"(The budget) makes the investments necessary to keep Morris County the premier county in New Jersey, and yet it still enables us to keep the tax rate flat," said Commissioner Deborah Smith, chair of the Commissioners' Budget Committee, in an announcement last week.

The biggest chunk of the budget ($91.3 million) goes to employee benefits, with other investments addressing road and bridge projects, education opportunities, economic development, and public safety. Officials said the budget addresses state mandates which have driven up costs for the Clerk's Office, Prosecutor's Office, and Surrogate's Office, as well as the increase in health care costs.

The county is investing an additional $3 million in public safety initiatives this year. A combined $77.8 million in funding will support county law enforcement offices and and emergency dispatch services.

“Public safety remains a paramount interest," said Commissioner John Krickus. "The 2024 Budget provides strong funding to our Sheriff’s Department, his Patrol Division, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and our Department of Law & Public Safety."

The county also committed more than $24 million to the County College of Morris and the Morris County Vocational School District, including the new Career Technical Center being constructed on campus. Another $22.1 million is budgeted for public works.

Human services is a main focus of the budget, officials said: A new officer will join the Veterans' Services Office, and the county added $300,000 to the Office of Temporary Assistance budget for homelessness prevention.

The Morris County Human Services Department serves the majority of the homeless population, added Commissioner Doug Cabana.

“We continue to expand our commitment to our veterans by funding a fourth Veterans Service Officer and a seasonal intern," he said. "We also are expanding our services to the growing homeless population.”

The 2024 budget also includes a record $900,000 directed to economic development and tourism, including $100,000 that was earmarked for local celebrations in 2026 of America's 250th anniversary. More than $9 million is budgeted for the Morris County Parks Commission, which takes care of the largest park system in the state.

The Preservation Trust Fund will remain level for 2024, continuing the county's investments in farmland, open space preservation, historic preservation, flood mitigation, and trail design/construction.

Click here to read the full announcement from commissioners, and click here to view the 2024 budget presentation.