The Burlington County Commissioners adopted a $281 million budget for 2026 on April 23, emphasizing affordability, essential services, and investments in infrastructure and land preservation. The plan was unanimously approved alongside the Open Space and Farmland Preservation Tax and the Burlington County Library Tax Levy.
The new budget is designed to keep Burlington County’s average county tax among the lowest in New Jersey while maintaining a high credit rating. Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson said, “Budgets are about values and choices, and this spending plan reflects our steadfast commitment to keep Burlington County affordable. This spending plan supports working families and continues essential services that protect community health, public safety and quality of life. It also makes strategic investments in infrastructure, education and economic development for Burlington County’s future.”
According to property tax data released annually by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Burlington County has had the lowest average county tax in New Jersey for seven consecutive years. The cost per resident is projected at $464 for operations—30% less than Gloucester County, 35% less than Camden County, and 68% less than Ocean County.
Commissioner Randy Brolo said residents continue to face economic stress: “Our commitment to keep Burlington County affordable has not changed, and we expect this budget will continue our record of having the lowest average county tax in New Jersey.”
The budget increases funding for farmland preservation by raising the open space tax slightly to four cents per $100 of property value—expected to generate about $28.3 million for land conservation efforts as well as parks improvements. Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel said this increase will help preserve more acres of open space: “It will also allow us to continue to take steps to enhance our County parks, expand our regional trails, and continue to deliver the outstanding parks programming and events residents of all ages love.” Over 67,000 acres have already been preserved across Burlington County.
Major projects expected include finalizing preservation deals totaling nearly 770 acres this year—including Van Wagoner Farm—and partnering with organizations like the New Jersey Conservation Foundation on additional acquisitions such as an environmentally sensitive tract near Black Run Preserve.
The library system’s funding remains unchanged at $14 million following its adoption of a fine-free policy in July 2024—a move credited with increasing activity among cardholders. Renovations have been completed or are underway at several branches including Pemberton Library; further improvements are planned at Evesham Library and Westampton Main Branch Library. Jonathan Chebra, Chair of the Library Commission said: “Going fine-free has eliminated a barrier that prevented many individuals and families from utilizing our libraries… With the help of our partners, the Library System is able to undertake many of these changes and continue delivering outstanding library services without asking taxpayers to pay more.”
Spending priorities include public safety (24%), insurance (15%), health department programs (8%), public works (8%), support for local schools including Rowan College at Burlington County—all made possible through fiscal planning using part of last year’s fund balance while still projecting reserves above $28 million by year-end.
Moody’s Investors Services maintains an Aa1 credit rating for Burlington County due partly to budgeting practices described as highly conservative combined with strong financial management—a factor enabling lower interest rates on debt according to Moody’s.
Burlington is recognized as New Jersey’s largest county by area at 827 square miles according to its official website. The Board consists of five members serving at-large under Administrator Eve Cullinan according to county records. The county includes three cities among its forty political subdivisions as noted online, features Historic Smithville Park with over three hundred acres according to official information, recognizes women leaders through an annual awards program as reported by officials, while its library system aims “to enrich lives by providing opportunities for learning” according its mission statement.
Hopson concluded: “From repaving County roads… art projects… substance use prevention… we have more great things planned for the future. This budget provides us a blueprint on how do deliver them responsibly.”
