2026 Tax Rate Freeze Recommended By Hunterdon Commissioner Director

During Commissioner Director Lanza's welcome address, Lanza highlighted the county’s exceptional financial standing, noting that Hunterdon County remains debt-free and achieved its lowest county tax rate in 11 years following consecutive, historic tax rate reductions in 2024 and 2025.

In a release from the Hunterdon Commissioners' Office, Lanza emphasized that preserving those gains is central to the board’s mission in the year ahead.

“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 Hunterdon County Board of Commissioners elected John E. Lanza and Jeff Kuhl as the Board’s Director and Deputy Director, respectively, at the Commissioners' January 6th re-organization meeting, at the Historic Courthouse in Flemington.
 
Lanza, setting a County Board historic record, was elected to a second consecutive and fourth overall term as Director.

He was also sworn in to a new term on the Board, along with running mate Commissioner Zach Rich, following their November election victory.

At an earlier ceremony, Hunterdon County Sheriff Fred Brown was sworn in to his 6th term as Sheriff, vowing to continue implementing common-sense public safety policies. 

Lanza, Kuhl and Rich are joined on the Board by Commissioners Sue Soloway and Shaun C. Van Doren, as an effective team that puts the taxpayers first.

Lanza called for a 2026 county budget that protects the two consecutive county tax rate reductions from 2024 and 2025.

Lanza recognized Deputy Director Kuhl for initiating the New Era of Partnership between the County and municipalities in 2024 and pledged the program’s continuance in 2026 with the establishment of an equipment grant fund to assist local fire and EMS organizations