Mercer County Executive Dan Benson on Thurs. April 10 unveiled his administration’s proposed $420.1 million 2025 budget, emphasizing continued fiscal repair, lean spending, and investments in core services as the County braces for rising costs and potential federal funding cuts.
In a budget address delivered to the Mercer County Board of Commissioners, Benson said the spending plan reflects both the County’s values and the tough choices required to stabilize its finances in the face of inflation, health care cost spikes, and lingering deficits inherited from the previous administration.
“We were left with a big financial mess by the previous administration, and we’re still cleaning it up,” Benson said. “But we need to take a different approach from what they’re doing on the federal level and continue to put our community first.”
The total proposed budget includes grants; excluding that funding, spending is set to rise less than 2% over 2024. The increase comes despite a $16 million spike in employee salaries, wages and benefits, County officials said.
Thanks in part to growing property values, the proposed budget would reduce the County tax rate by more than 6%, though Benson cautioned that it remains too soon to say how that will impact local municipal tax bills. The overall tax levy is projected to rise by less than 4%.
“While lean, this budget ensures we can continue to provide the County’s essential services without jeopardizing our future,” he said.
Federal impacts loom
Benson warned of potential fallout from Washington, where proposed federal budget cuts to public health, job training programs, infrastructure, and social services could disproportionately affect vulnerable residents. Although direct federal aid accounts for under 2% of Mercer’s budget, the County has already lost nearly $200,000 in public health funding, he noted.
“The uncertainty and chaos in Washington are already impacting us here in Mercer County,” Benson said. “We have to be ready to step up and meet the needs of our residents over the next few years.”
Fiscal repair and cautious progress
Since taking office in early 2024, Benson’s administration has worked to stabilize county finances. According to Benson, the County has completed four audits, overhauled its accounting system, implemented new financial software, and recovered $400,000 in unclaimed state funds. The outlook from ratings agencies remains stable.
The proposed budget includes no layoffs, though some positions will remain unfilled. The County is also exploring a potential move away from the State Health Benefits Plan, which has faced double-digit premium increases. Relocating staff from leased facilities to a vacant County-owned building is expected to save up to $500,000 annually.
“We’re tightening our belts everywhere we can,” Benson said.
Investments in infrastructure, shared services
Despite financial constraints, the County is pressing forward with several major capital and community initiatives. Projects underway or planned include renovations at the Trenton Thunder ballpark, modernization of Trenton-Mercer Airport in Ewing, reconstruction of the Lincoln Avenue Bridge, and revitalization of the South Broad Street corridor.
Mercer also plans to launch a municipal and nonprofit grant program for trail maintenance and improvements through its Open Space Trust Fund.
“These ambitious projects are just the beginning,” Benson said. “I’m excited to watch our shared vision of Mercer’s future being made real, brick by brick.”
Benson highlighted a growing number of shared services agreements with local municipalities, including upgrades to emergency communications systems, formalized HAZMAT response coverage, and the re-launch of the County’s Municipal Assistance Road Resurfacing Program. A new agreement with Ewing is expected to provide fire services at Trenton-Mercer Airport.
Commissioner response
County Commissioners expressed cautious optimism following the budget’s introduction.
“Understanding the uncertainty coming out of Washington, we are encouraged to have received an introduced budget that’s $5 million less than the 2024 adopted budget,” said Board Vice-Chair Terrance Stokes. “The Commissioners are looking forward to reviewing this budget and making sure we can both provide essential services and are fiscally responsible.”
Chair Kristin McLaughlin added, “We look forward to reviewing the County Executive’s budget and working closely with the administration to produce a budget that is both responsible and delivers essential services to residents.”
Public hearings and further discussion are expected in the coming weeks as the Board considers the final adoption of the 2025 budget.
