The Burlington County Commissioners have adopted a 2025 budget that reflects the group’s commitment to affordability and delivering essential services amidst the current climate of economic upheaval and uncertainty.
The $271-million spending plan was unanimously approved by the commissioners on April 23, along with the county’s Open Space and Farmland Preservation Tax. The budget reduces total county spending by $41 million and is expected to maintain the county’s record for having the lowest average county tax in New Jersey, along with a credit score near the top of the rating scale.
The budget reserves $5 million in open space funds for a new round of Municipal Parks Development Grants that help towns acquire and preserve remaining open space and make improvements to local parks and recreation areas.
The county’s cost per resident for operations is also projected to remain the lowest in the state at $406. The next closest is Essex County at $498, more than 20% higher than Burlington County.
Supporting farmland preservation, local parks enhancements
The budget maintains the county’s farmland preservation and open space tax at 3.5 cents per $100 of value. It is expected to generate about $22.4 million to fund farmland and open space preservation; park and trail improvements; and the county’s various art, history, nature, fitness and other cultural programs.
In the last year, the county has prepared offers for 10 farms totaling more than 1,400 acres; targeted additional open space properties along the Rancocas Creek and Delaware River for preservation; and taken initial steps to create miles of additional trails, including about 50 miles of new regional paths through Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Evesham, Maple Shade, Medford, Tabernacle, Southampton and Shamong.
Municipal parks grants
The budget sets aside funding for a new round of Municipal Parks Development Grants to assist municipalities with creating or improving their parks. Funds can also be used to acquire open space or to cover the local share for preserving a farm.
All 40 municipalities are eligible to apply for grants up to $250,000 with no local match required. Funding for the grants comes from the voter-approved dedicated open space and farmland preservation tax.
Delivering essential services
The 2025 budget calls for a $202-million operating tax levy that complies with the New Jersey statutory cap and maintains the county workforce. Total salaries and wages increased $3.7 million, largely from contractual increases and other adjustments needed to attract and retain quality workers. The plan also budgets for a $3.1-million increase for worker health benefits, $3 million increase in debt service, $1 million increase in the county’s contribution for employee pensions, $1 million more for the county’s share of costs for residents at state psychiatric hospitals; and $500,000 more for general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
The spending plan continues to fund essential programs and services, including assistance for seniors and others struggling with housing or food insecurity. It maintains the county’s annual support for both the Burlington County Institute of Technology and the Burlington County Special Services School District, as well as its aid to Rowan College at Burlington County. The budget also provides the money needed to safely maintain the county’s more than 500 miles of county highways, plus 400 bridges and 700 culverts.
Responsible fiscal planning, management
Investments are possible because of sound fiscal planning. This year, the county plans to use $13.5 million of its $32 million in fund balance from 2024 to support this year’s spending. County officials still anticipate ending 2025 with well above $20 million in fund balance and reserves.
