Top Hunterdon County Official Says He Wants Tax Freeze

The Hunterdon County Commissioners has proposed a freeze the county tax rate and a new grant program for emergency responders.

During the annual reorganization meeting on Jan. 6 in Flemmington, Commissioner Director John Lanza called for the commissioners to maintain the current tax rate following reductions in 2024 and 2025.

Lanza, who was sworn into his fifth term and a second consecutive year as director, stated the county of roughly 130,000 residents remains debt-free.

“In 2026, protecting last year’s historic county tax rate reduction will be a top priority of this board,” Lanza said. “Our goal is clear: hold the line on taxes while continuing to deliver essential services and invest wisely in our communities.”

The commissioners also appointed Commissioner Jeff Kuhl to serve as deputy director for 2026.

Commissioner Zachary T. Rich was also sworn into office during the proceedings.

Lanza introduced a proposal for a $500,000 grant fund to assist the county’s fire and EMS organizations with the purchase of equipment and response gear.

The proposal comes after the awarding of nearly $4 million in municipal grants last year.

Additionally, the county plans to solicit bids in the coming weeks for the second and third phases of the Emergency Services Training Center. The project is estimated to cost nearly $10 million and is being funded through a $3.2 million federal grant and county fiscal reserves.

The county is also working on the launch of the Hunterdon County Improvement Authority to assist municipalities with borrowing costs. It is also continuing farmland and open space preservation efforts and the expansion of the “Explore Hunterdon” brand to support small businesses, tourism, and film production.

“As we begin 2026, our focus remains on strong partnerships, smarter government, and always putting taxpayers first,” Lanza said.

The meeting was attended by municipal, state, and federal officials, including Assembly Republican Leader John DiMaio, State Sen. Doug Steinhardt, and officials from the offices of U.S. Sen. Cory Booker and Congressman Tom Kean.