Morris County Budget Maintains Tax Rate Status Quo

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Morris County commissioners unanimously adopted the county’s 2026 budget Tuesday night, keeping the county tax rate unchanged for a seventh consecutive year while continuing spending on public safety, education, infrastructure, and human services.

The county said the budget totals $407.3 million, though it said that figure is inflated by the early authorization of $24.3 million in grant funding and adjusts to $383 million. According to the county, the early authorization of grants does not affect the county tax levy.

The budget was developed by the commissioners’ Budget Committee, which includes Commissioner Deborah Smith, Commissioner Douglas R. Cabana and Commissioner John Krickus.

“This budget reflects Morris County’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible planning, even as we face rising costs beyond our control,” said Smith, chair of the board’s Budget Committee. “For the seventh consecutive year, we have held the county tax rate steady while continuing to deliver high-quality services and investing in the needs of our residents.”

“Our fund balance has increased to $77.4 million, up more than $8 million from the previous year, helping us maintain our 50-year AAA bond rating from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s," Smith added. That longstanding distinction allows us to secure the most favorable borrowing rates, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars.”

The county said the 2026 budget includes $86 million for public safety, which is a $3 million increase over 2025, to support law enforcement, emergency medical services backup and digital evidence capabilities.

“Public safety remains a top priority, and this budget strengthens our ability to protect residents through continued investment in law enforcement, emergency response and technology,” Cabana said. “Enhancing digital evidence capabilities and maintaining critical communication systems ensures our agencies are equipped to meet the evolving demands of public safety.”

The spending plan also includes $40.7 million for health and human services, including funding that has doubled County Emergency Assistance to $300,000 and provided $150,000 for homeless prevention. The county also listed nearly $9.4 million for the Morris County Park Commission and a $50 million capital spending plan, including $37 million in county funding and $13 million in grants, with more than 60 percent aimed at infrastructure improvements.

The county said the budget increases education funding by $1.1 million, including a $930,000 increase to the County College of Morris and a $175,000 increase to the Morris County Vocational School District.

“Our investments in education help prepare students for the careers of tomorrow while supporting the needs of Morris County’s business community,” Krickus said. “By strengthening our support for the county college and the vocational school district, we are helping build a highly skilled workforce and expanding opportunities for residents.”

The county also said CCM’s new Center for Health Professions is under construction and is anticipated to open in 2027.

Click here to view the 2026 Morris County Budget Presentation.