The Mercer County Board of County Commissioners has announced it is facing backlash for approving a 22 percent property tax increase amid allegations of fiscal mismanagement and insufficient transparency. The announcement was made in a public statement.
According to Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann, the recent 22 percent property tax increase experienced by residents is attributed to changes in the Mercer County budget, not municipal adjustments. Steinmann emphasized that Ewing’s municipal tax rate has remained stable, suggesting that the county’s budget decisions are the primary drivers of the tax hike. This distinction has led to increased scrutiny of the county’s fiscal management practices.
The New Jersey Office of the State Comptroller reported that Mercer County incurred nearly $4.5 million in fines and penalties due to late tax filings between 2018 and 2021. These penalties were a result of the county’s failure to timely pay state and federal payroll taxes, reflecting significant lapses in financial oversight. Such fiscal mismanagement has contributed to the county’s current budgetary challenges.
In his 2024 budget address, County Executive Dan Benson highlighted that the county faced over $10 million in deferred charges and had previously relied on $12 million in one-time federal American Rescue Plan funds to balance the budget. Benson noted that these factors, combined with increased debt service payments and rising operational costs, have significantly impacted the county’s financial stability. The administration is now working to address these inherited fiscal issues.
The Mercer County Board of County Commissioners serves as the legislative body overseeing Mercer County, New Jersey. The Board is responsible for reviewing and approving the county’s budget, setting policies, and ensuring the effective delivery of county services. Commissioners are elected at-large to serve staggered three-year terms, providing governance and oversight to the county’s operations.
