The Morris County Board of County Commissioners tonight introduced their 2026 Budget with no increase in the county tax rate for a seventh consecutive year, while continuing investments in public safety, education and infrastructure.
“This budget again holds the line on the tax rate. Morris County provides among the highest level of services in the state and does it with the second-lowest average county tax in New Jersey,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, chair of the board’s budget committee, citing 2025 Department of Community Affairs data.
“Also, the year-end fund balance increased by $8 million to $77.4 million, which is important to Morris County maintaining its 50-year record of AAA bond ratings from Moodys and Standard & Poor’s. That rating saves taxpayer dollars on any necessary borrowing,” Commissioner Smith added.
The proposed spending plan was presented to the full board by the budget committee, including Commissioners Douglas R. Cabana and John Krickus.
2026 Budget Highlights:
- $407.3 million, is the total of the introduced budget, but the figure is artificially inflated by $24.3 million in early authorization of grants, bringing the actual spending to $383 million – which can be compared to the 2025 Budget, minus early authorized grants, of $370.6 million. The early authorization of $24. 3 million in grant funds has no impact on the tax levy.
- $86 million invested in public safety, a $3 million increase over 2025 to support law enforcement, emergency medical services backup and enhanced digital evidence capabilities.
- $1.1 million increase to education, including a $930,000 increase to the County College of Morris and a $175,000 increase to the Morris County Vocational School District.
- Nearly $9.4 million to support the Morris County Park Commission, stewards of the largest county park system in New Jersey — 20,611 acres of parkland, 39 recreational facilities and more than 264 miles of trails, including the newly opened Pompton Valley Rail Trail.
- $40.7 million for Health and Human Services, including sustained funding that has doubled “County Emergency Assistance” to $300,000 and provided $150,000 dedicated to homeless prevention.
- $50 million capital spending plan, includes $37 million of county funding and $13 million in grants, with more than 60 percent directed toward infrastructure investments for roads, bridges, rail, drainage systems and park improvements.