NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – The Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders introduced the 2020 Middlesex County operating budget at the regular scheduled Freeholder Meeting on March 5. The budget keeps the overall county tax rate flat.

The budget will be voted on for adoption and a public hearing will be held at the next meeting on March 19.

“Over the last decade, Middlesex County has been committed to ensuring it provides quality services to our municipalities and our residents. This year’s budget is a testament to that commitment and is a result of the hard work and dedication of our Freeholder Board and County staff,” said Freeholder Leslie Koppel, chair of the County’s Finance Committee.

Once again, Middlesex County is continuing its promise to lower its total debt, with the new budget reflecting a decrease in debt of $11.5 million. Thanks to the lower debt, the County will continue to maintain its triple A bond rating. This rating, which has continued for 19 years, enables the County to spend less taxpayer money when completing infrastructure projects. The infrastructure projects include funding for, and improvements to, County parks and recreation facilities and continued investments in programs and services that are vital to the community.

“Those savings have made it possible for this Freeholder Board to invest in new services for the arts, technology, and healthcare and our infrastructure like roads, bridges, and new signalization. Ultimately, the hard work and dedication of our Freeholders and staff directly benefits our residents and municipalities,” said Freeholder Director Ronald G. Rios.

The increased surplus, larger capital cash account, and flat tax rate are all a result of measures taken by the Freeholder Board and County Administration including the implementation of, and investment in, new technologies which continue to improve operating efficiencies within the county’s structure, as well as an expanding tax base which comes with a strong economy.

“I wish to thank all that have a role in our financial stability, particularly my colleague Freeholder Koppel for her leadership, and our Chief Financial Officer Joe Pruiti for his expertise,” said Director Rios.