Mercer County Budget Proposal: No Tax Hike In 2021

Princeton NJ

18 March, 2021

4:17 PM

Description

PRINCETON, NJ — Mercer County's proposed budget for 2021-22 will not result in any change in the overall county tax rate, county executive Brian M. Hughes said. Hughes recently presented a $332.2 million spending plan for the county that "stays within the state-mandated two percent cap." Of the total budget, $269 million would be collected through property taxes, the same levy as last year. The overall county tax rate would remain at 58 cents per $100 of assessed value, according to the proposed budget. "This document represents our effort to provide the best possible government in the most cost-effective manner to the taxpayer," Hughes said. The county executive said the budget was planned keeping in mind the pandemic and its affect on residents. "The fact of the matter is that many of our residents are suffering because of the pandemic, and it is up to us to tighten our belts and hold the line." However, the actual tax rate for county residents will rise or fall depending on each municipality, once the county rate is equalized to reflect the difference between municipal property assessments and property market values, said Hughes. The budget proposes that $14 million of the county's surplus be used, leaving a balance of $21 million. "It has been my policy to keep a healthy balance in our surplus fund to cover unforeseen circumstances," Hughes said. "While no one could have imagined living through a pandemic, our fiscal prudence over the years has helped us weather this unprecedented storm." Hughes presented his budget proposal to the County Board of Commissioners, who will review the spending plan in the coming weeks, before voting on its adoption. Thank you for reading. Have a correction or news tip? Email [email protected] Get breaking news alerts on your phone with our app. Download here. Sign up to get Patch emails so you don't miss out on local and statewide news.