Mercer County officials have adopted a $431 million budget for 2026, approving a spending plan that county leaders say balances rising costs and federal funding uncertainty while maintaining county services.
The Mercer County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the budget, which totals $431,042,977 excluding grants. The spending plan represents a 6.8% increase over the 2025 budget.
County Executive Dan Benson said the budget reflects efforts to navigate increasing expenses while continuing investments in county programs and infrastructure.
“Since taking office, our Administration has cleaned up the County’s finances and achieved fiscally responsible budgets that still protect critical services,” Benson said in a statement. “Although we continue to face significant budget pressures, from Federal cuts to rising healthcare costs, Mercer County’s financial outlook is much brighter than it was three years ago, allowing us to invest in our residents and our future.”
Rising Costs and Revenue Pressures
Budget documents show Mercer County expects to raise approximately $356.9 million through the county tax levy in 2026, up from roughly $334.8 million the previous year. The budget also relies on nearly $34.8 million in surplus funds.
Among the most significant cost drivers is employee health insurance. The county has budgeted approximately $56.5 million for group health insurance in 2026, an increase from about $44.2 million budgeted in 2025.
County officials have cited healthcare expenses and uncertainty surrounding federal funding as major challenges during this year’s budget process.
Major Areas of Spending
The budget continues funding for a broad range of county services, including public safety, human services, parks, transportation infrastructure, and higher education.
Among the county’s larger expenditures are operations at the Mercer County Correction Center, the Sheriff’s Office, the Park Commission, the Board of Social Services, and Mercer County Community College. Budget documents show the county plans to appropriate more than $20.5 million for Mercer County Community College and approximately $18.7 million for Park Commission operations.
The budget also includes continued investments in transportation projects, public health initiatives, social service programs, and county facilities.
Commissioners Approve Budget Unanimously
Commission Chair Terrance Stokes said commissioners worked closely with the administration throughout the budget process.
“Throughout our budget process we focused on ways to make our government more efficient, allowing us to continue to care for our most vulnerable residents, while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer money,” Stokes said.
Commission Vice Chair Cathleen Lewis said the adopted budget reflects an effort to balance competing priorities.
“Budgets always involve some tough tradeoffs, but I believe that our 2026 budget strikes the right balance between meeting our residents’ needs, protecting our taxpayers, and investing in our future,” Lewis said.
The budget was introduced by Benson in March before receiving final approval from the Board of Commissioners this week.
In Other County News: Mercer Restricts ICE Access to Non-Public County Facilities
Mercer County officials have enacted new policies limiting the ability of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to use non-public county facilities for immigration enforcement activities.
The policy was implemented through both an executive order issued by County Executive Dan Benson and a resolution adopted by the Mercer County Board of Commissioners.
Under the new rules, ICE and CBP agents may not access or use non-public areas of county-owned properties for immigration enforcement purposes unless they present a judicial warrant or court order. County officials noted that the policy does not restrict the enforcement of other criminal laws and does not apply to public spaces such as county parks, roads, or other areas generally open to the public.
“From Minneapolis to Delaney Hall, ICE has repeatedly shown a total disregard for the law and for the constitutional rights of citizens and non-citizens alike,” Benson said in announcing the policy. “We respect the Federal Government’s authority to enforce immigration law, but we will not allow them to use County properties to harass our families.”
Commission Chair Terrance Stokes said the resolution is intended to ensure residents can access county services without fear of immigration enforcement activity.
“With this resolution, we’re sending a clear message that everyone in our community can safely interact with County government, and access County services, without fear,” Stokes said.
County officials said the action follows similar restrictions adopted by the State of New Jersey and several other counties, including Camden, Essex, Hudson, Middlesex, and Passaic.
