Tax Increase Proposed In 2024 Somerset County Budget

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — A tax increase is being proposed as part of Somerset County's recently introduced budget for 2024.

"We have worked hard to keep our operating costs in line while making important long-term investments in our residents, infrastructure, and economy," said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. "Examples are the first expansion of our Vocational-Technical High School campus in 17 years, new efforts to attract and retain employers, and the largest open space acquisition in two decades."

The proposed budget of $270,819,836 is up 1.87 percent from 2023 and includes $226,416,726 to be raised through property taxes.

The average county home valued at $550,000 (up $39,000 from 2023) will see an annual increase of $54.10 in the County's portion of their property tax bill. The tax rate will decline by 3.9 percent to .2888 from .3004 per $1,000 of assessed home value.

"Somerset County provides a great quality of life and making a home here is a fantastic investment," said Commissioner Deputy Director Sara Sooy, referring to the increase in property valuations.

The County’s total assessed real property value is more than $78 billion, up 7 percent from last year and more than 25 percent since 2020.

Commissioners note that nearly 70 percent of the budget consists of obligated costs required by State or Federal law. The primary costs driving increases for the year were health insurance, debt service, and special costs associated with the 2024 Presidential Election.

The budget also includes the $6.2 million purchase of the former Hillsborough Golf Club on 402 acres off Wertsville Road in Hillsborough to preserve the largest tract of land in two decade. The money will come from County's open space fund and be shared by the New Jersey’s Green Acres program, and Hillsborough Township

The 2024 County budget will:

• Maintain significant infrastructure, including 38 parks and open space across 15,000 acres, 248 miles of county roads, and 752 bridges.
• Fund high-performing public health services, 911 communications, emergency response, and training capabilities.
• Fund the Sheriff’s Office, Prosecutor, and Corrections Facilities.
• Fund comprehensive human services operations during a period of crisis for mental health and substance use.
• Provide vital transit services to our workforce and seniors.
• Support economic development, tourism, and planning.
• Partially fund affiliated agencies including the County Vocational Technical High School, Raritan Valley Community College, Somerset County Park Commission, Social Services, and Somerset County Business Partnership.

The budget includes nearly 200 shared services that save taxpayer dollars:

• Providing municipalities and schools with easy access to shared services via the innovative Somerset County Marketplace.
• Recycling for all 21 municipalities, including schools.
• Transportation services for six municipalities.
• Graphics and printing services for 13 municipalities.
• Vehicle maintenance for 30 municipalities and agencies.
• Vehicle fuel for over 50 agencies.
• Statewide emergency services training.
• Public health services for nine municipalities.
• Full dispatch service for 15 municipalities (two out of county), EMS dispatch services in 7 more towns, plus fire only in 4 towns.
• A statewide cooperative purchasing program.

A public hearing on the proposed County budget will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14 at the Commissioners' Meeting Room on the third floor of the Administration Building at 20 Grove Street, Somerville or watch the meeting at the County’s website.

Questions and comments can be sent to countyboardmeeting@co.somerset.nj.us prior to and during the meeting.

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