Ocean County Leader

The Ocean County Board of Commissioners has introduced the 2025 budget, aiming to manage county growth while maintaining a stable property tax rate. The announcement was made on March 19, highlighting the challenges and opportunities posed by the increasing population.

Deputy Director Frank Sadeghi acknowledged the significant population growth in Ocean County, which currently stands at over 650,000 residents. He anticipates this number could reach one million in the near future. "Now is the time to address this," Sadeghi stated, emphasizing that growth can bring economic benefits and greater opportunities.

The proposed budget for 2025 totals $608,759,015, marking an increase of $43,714,505 from the previous year. Of this amount, $497,909,182 will be raised through taxation—an increase of $42 million. The budget also includes a surplus usage of $38.5 million.

"I believe this budget addresses our current needs and moves us soundly and decisively into the future," said Sadeghi.

Commissioner John P. Kelly noted that the ratable base for 2025 is valued at $176.5 billion, allowing for a stable property tax rate of 28.2 cents per $100 of equalized property value.

A public hearing on the budget is scheduled for April 16 at the Ocean County Administration Building in Toms River. The document is available online for public viewing.

Sadeghi highlighted several capital projects included in the budget with funding totaling $93,567,306—a rise of $22,319,617 from last year. These projects include improvements to educational facilities such as Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools and Ocean County College.

A notable allocation is $25.2 million for expanding MATES academy in Stafford Township. "These students are our future doctors, astronauts, and engineers," Sadeghi commented about investing in educational infrastructure.

Additional funds include more than $13 million for renovations to two other vo-tech centers and over $6 million for upgrades at Ocean County College's instructional facilities.

Commissioner Jennifier Bacchione stressed investing wisely while accommodating county growth: "We have to keep up with the needs of a growing county and also stay within our means."

Other allocations include about $1.2 million for hangars at Ocean County Airport in Berkeley Township and substantial investments in road infrastructure projects like Cross Street improvements in Lakewood ($11 million) and Route 539 overpass enhancements in Plumsted Township ($12 million).

"All of these projects represent a true investment in the future of Ocean County," Sadeghi stated.

The budget supports essential services such as senior programs ($9.5 million), road improvements ($27.7 million), social services ($19.1 million), parks and recreation ($9.6 million), transportation programs including Ocean Ride ($4.1 million), law enforcement and public safety ($93.6 million).

Kelly emphasized that maintaining a AAA bond rating is crucial for securing low-interest rates on capital project bonds: "It's a cost saving for the County."

Every annual budget meets state-mandated limits while ensuring affordability alongside future investments: "Every budget continues our conservative and disciplined approach to keeping Ocean County affordable while we also invest in our future," Kelly remarked.

Virginia E. Haines joined fellow board members expressing gratitude towards Chief Financial Officer Julie Tarrant and staff efforts: "This budget enables us to continue providing important services...within two percent cap."