Morris Leader

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners approved a $376.6 million budget for 2025, marking the sixth year in a row without a tax rate increase. The budget provides increased funding for public safety, human services, education, and infrastructure. Commissioner Deborah Smith, who chairs the County Budget Committee, highlighted the board's efforts to manage financial growth within the constraints of rising costs and inflation.

Smith stated, “Despite rising costs beyond our control, we have once again kept the county tax rate stable. Over the past five years, inflation has averaged 4.24 percent annually, yet we have limited our budget growth to just 2.89 percent per year. This careful financial management allows us to continue and expand the quality services our residents have come to expect while being mindful of the financial pressures they and our business community face.”

The 2025 budget includes a Capital Spending Plan to uphold infrastructure in education, public safety, and human services, allocating nearly $36 million, with an overall capital plan of $48.6 million supported by $12.8 million in grants. Health and Human Services will receive $39.7 million, extending resources to various offices and maintaining emergency assistance funding at last year's levels for the homeless and homelessness prevention programs.

Public safety accounts for a combined $83 million, providing services to multiple municipalities and handling thousands of emergency calls. Commissioner Douglas Cabana commented on the expansion in law and public safety, “We are expanding our commitment to law and public safety with investments in equipment, software and AI technology to help the Prosecutor’s Office meet growing state mandates for processing and storing digital evidence.”

Education receives a focus with increased investment in the County College of Morris and a new Center for Health Professions Building. Commissioner John Krickus stated, “We are increasing our allocation to CCM by $250,000 and dedicating $4.5 million in our capital budget toward constructing the new Center for Health Professions Building. Investing in education will help ensure students have the resources and facilities they needed to excel in high-demand fields, opening doors to rewarding careers while providing Morris County businesses with a highly skilled workforce.”

Additionally, local municipalities benefit from an arrangement with Nearmap for high-resolution aerial mapping, aiding various community services.