TOMS RIVER, NJ — The Ocean County Board of Commissioners introduced its $608,759,015 budget for 2025 this week, promising no increase to the county property tax rate while funding a wide array of capital improvements and services to address population growth.
Key Points
- Ocean County introduced a $608.7 million budget with no increase to the property tax rate
- Major capital projects include school expansions, infrastructure upgrades, and airport improvements
- The budget invests heavily in public safety, education, transportation, and essential services
Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi highlighted the county’s rapid expansion, noting that the population currently exceeds 650,000 and is projected to reach one million. “Now is the time to address this,” he said. “Growth is not a bad thing. It brings economic benefits and greater opportunities.”
The proposed budget represents a $43.7 million increase over last year’s, with $497.9 million to be raised through taxation and $38.5 million from surplus funds. The tax rate will remain at 28.2 cents per $100 of equalized property value, supported by a ratable base of $176.5 billion, according to Director John P. Kelly.
A public hearing is scheduled for April 16 at the Ocean County Administration Building. The budget document is available online.
Key capital allocations include $93.6 million in capital improvements, with $25.2 million designated for the expansion of the Marine Academy of Technology and Environmental Science (MATES) in Stafford Township, and over $13 million for renovations at two other vocational-technical centers. Ocean County College will receive more than $6 million for instructional facility upgrades in healthcare-related programs.
Infrastructure spending features $11 million for improvements to Cross Street in Lakewood and $12 million toward the Route 539 overpass in Plumsted Township. Additional funding includes $1.2 million for hangars at Ocean County Airport.
The budget also maintains support for essential services: $93.6 million for law and public safety, $27.7 million for road upgrades, $19.1 million for social services, $9.6 million for parks and recreation, and over $9.5 million for senior, veteran, and human services programs.
Officials emphasized the county’s continued AAA bond rating and adherence to the state’s 2% budget cap. “Every budget continues our conservative and disciplined approach to keeping Ocean County affordable while we also invest in our future,” Kelly said.