(WHITE TWP., March 14, 2007) - The Warren County Board of Chosen Freeholders adopted a budget for 2007 that reduces the estimated equalized tax rate for the eighth year in a row.
“We’re meeting the needs of the citizens of Warren County but being very conservative” with their money, Freeholder Director Everett A. Chamberlain said as the freeholders unanimously approved the spending plan after a public hearing.
The $103 million budget will result in an estimated reduction of the equalized county tax rate of 3 percent, dropping the rate by 1.7 cents to put it at 49.8 cents per $100 of property. Last year, the 1 cent reduction in the estimated rate was a 2 percent reduction overall. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Warren County freeholders have crafted budgets that reduce this estimated, equalized tax rate.
“We have a very conservative, pay-as-you-go philosophy, and it shows in the bottom line,” Freeholder John DiMaio said.
DiMaio explained the freeholder board is funding capital improvements such as road and bridge projects as well as long-deferred building improvements without incurring additional bond debt. “We’re standing up and taking responsibility, and we’re going to get the job done,” DiMaio remarked.
The proposed budget dedicates $8.8 million for capital projects including road, bridge, building and facilities maintenance and improvements, as well as an additional $2.5 million in capital reserve for future projects. |
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Chamberlain said those future projects include a county library headquarters and Department of Human Services building to be constructed at the county’s White Township campus. The building is in the planning stages.
Freeholder Richard D. Gardner credited the Projects Committee established by the freeholders for its fact-finding efforts on the county’s space needs.
The budget is supported by $64 million is local property taxes. Other funding sources include $31 million in miscellaneous revenue, such as Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements, investment income, fees collected by county agencies, and state and federal grants that offset the cost of services.
Moreover, the freeholders propose using $6.95 million from the county’s surplus account, which will maintain a surplus balance at a conservative $6.31 million.
The freeholders also expect to use $8.3 million generated through the county’s dedicated tax for open space, farmland and historic preservation.
With some 15,000 acres of farmland in Warren County already preserved, the freeholders anticipate having 17,500 acres preserved by the end of the year.
The budget is posted on the official Warren County web site, www.co.warren.nj.us, and copies are available for available for review at all public libraries in Warren County.
Click here to review the budget |