MORRISTOWN — Property taxes are rising almost everywhere in New Jersey. Morris County is not among them.
The all-Republican Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously on Wednesday night to adopt a $407.3 million budget that holds the county tax rate flat for the seventh consecutive year — a streak unmatched in a state where the average property tax bill just climbed to a record $10,570.
"This budget reflects Morris County's continued commitment to fiscal discipline," said Commissioner Deborah Smith, who chairs the board's Budget Committee. "Even as we face rising costs beyond our control."
"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," Smith said.
The spending plan pumps an additional $3 million into public safety, bringing that total to $86 million, and boosts education funding by $1.1 million. Yet the tax rate stays put.
The Numbers Game
County officials acknowledge the $407.3 million top-line figure is "artificially inflated" by $24.3 million in early grant authorizations that don't affect the tax levy. The actual county-funded spending: $383 million, up from $370.6 million last year.
The fund balance now sits at $77.4 million — an $8 million jump from 2025. That cushion helps preserve Morris County's 50-year AAA bond rating from Moody's and Standard & Poor's, lowering borrowing costs for capital projects.
"That longstanding distinction allows us to secure the most favorable borrowing rates, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars," Smith said.
What's Inside
The budget delivers targeted increases across priority areas:
• Public safety: $86 million, up $3 million, including artificial intelligence technology for the Prosecutor's Office to process digital evidence and expanded emergency medical services backup
• Education: $930,000 more for County College of Morris and $175,000 for the Morris County Vocational School District, where enrollment jumped 30% after opening a new Career Training Center
• Human services: $40.7 million, with emergency assistance funding doubled to $300,000 and $150,000 dedicated to homeless prevention
• Parks: $9.4 million for the county park system, the largest in New Jersey at 20,611 acres
The plan also sets aside money for the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both expected to draw visitors to the region.
The Context
Morris County's streak stands out in a state where property taxes rose 4.7% in 2025 — nearly double the inflation rate. While Morris held the line, 155 New Jersey municipalities raised taxes by more than 5% and 40 communities imposed double-digit hikes, according to an analysis of state Department of Community Affairs data by NJ Advance Media.
The county has not seen a Democratic commissioner since 1973. The current board includes Smith, Douglas Cabana, John Krickus, Deputy Director Stephen H. Shaw, and Commissioners Christine Myers and Tayfun Selen — all Republicans.
Democrats, who last year narrowed the GOP voter registration advantage to roughly 20,000 voters, have made the commission a target. Three Democratic candidates are challenging Republican incumbents in November, arguing that single-party rule has eroded accountability.
For now, Republicans are running on the tax freeze.