Morris County Adopts 2026 Budget

Published on March 25, 2026

Seventh Consecutive Year Without a County Tax Rate Increase

The Morris County Board of County Commissioners unanimously adopted the county’s 2026 budget tonight, maintaining no increase in the county tax rate for a seventh consecutive year while continuing strategic investments in public safety, education, infrastructure and human services.

The $407.3 million spending plan is artificially inflated by the early authorization of $24.3 million in grant funding, which adjusts to $383 million. The early authorization of grants does not impact the county tax levy.

“This budget reflects Morris County’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible planning, even as we face rising costs beyond our control,” said Commissioner Deborah Smith, chair of the board’s Budget Committee. “For the seventh consecutive year, we have held the county tax rate steady while continuing to deliver high-quality services and investing in the needs of our residents.”

“Our fund balance has increased to $77.4 million, up more than $8 million from the previous year, helping us maintain our 50-year AAA bond rating from Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s. That longstanding distinction allows us to secure the most favorable borrowing rates, ultimately saving taxpayer dollars,” she continued.

The budget was developed by the commissioners’ Budget Committee, which also includes Commissioner Douglas R. Cabana and Commissioner John Krickus.

“Public safety remains a top priority, and this budget strengthens our ability to protect residents through continued investment in law enforcement, emergency response and technology,” said Commissioner Douglas Cabana. “Enhancing digital evidence capabilities and maintaining critical communication systems ensures our agencies are equipped to meet the evolving demands of public safety.”

The budget also reinforces the county’s commitment to education and workforce development.

“Our investments in education help prepare students for the careers of tomorrow while supporting the needs of Morris County’s business community,” said Commissioner John Krickus. “By strengthening our support for the county college and the vocational school district, we are helping build a highly skilled workforce and expanding opportunities for residents.”

CCM opened its Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science earlier this month, which was made possible through a nearly $12 million investment, including $4.6 million previously approved by the county commissioners. The new Center for Health Professions under construction on campus and anticipated to open in 2027 is being supported by Morris County with more than $5.5 million in 2025 and 2026 capital funding.

The Morris County Vocational School District also continues to grow, with enrollment increasing more than 30 percent following the opening of its Career Training Center in fall 2025.

2026 Budget Highlights:

• $86 million invested in public safety, a $3 million increase over 2025 to support law enforcement, emergency medical services backup and enhanced digital evidence capabilities.
• $40.7 million for health and human services, including sustained funding that has doubled “County Emergency Assistance” to $300,000 and provided $150,000 dedicated to homeless prevention.
• Nearly $9.4 million for the Morris County Park Commission, stewards of the largest county park system in New Jersey -- 20,611 acres of parkland, 39 recreational facilities and more than 264 miles of trails, including the newly opened Pompton Valley Rail Trail.
• $50 million capital spending plan, including $37 million in county funding and $13 million in grants, with more than 60 percent directed toward infrastructure improvements.
• $1.1 million increase to education, including a $930,000 increase to the County College of Morris (CCM) and a $175,000 increase to the Morris County Vocational School District.

View the Budget Presentation

“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,” said Commissioner Smith.

For more information visit: morriscountynj.gov.

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Photo 1: Commissioners who served on the Budget Committee, from left to right: Douglas R. Cabana, Deborah Smith and John Krickus.

Photo 2: Resurfacing on Glen Alpin Road in Harding Twp, 2025.

Photo 3: The Center for Entrepreneurship & Culinary Science at the County College of Morris. A ribbon cutting was held on March 5, 2026.