On Thursday, May 22nd, the Mercer County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the 2025 Mercer County Budget. County Executive Dan Benson introduced the budget in April, and the Commissioners worked in close collaboration with the Administration to ensure its completion in time for annual tax assessments.
The 2025 Mercer County Budget totals $420,116,995. Excluding grants, this represents an increase of less than 2% compared to the 2024 budget, rising from approximately $397 million to $403 million in non-grant expenditures.
This year’s budget continues to correct for earlier fiscal accountability issues from the previous administration, and addresses potential Federal budget cuts.
The adopted budget aims to advance county priorities by investing in infrastructure, public programs, and community development, while maintaining prudent fiscal management. It emphasizes fiscal restraint through measures such as not filling vacancies and delaying less time-sensitive projects.
“When I took office in 2024, I knew the problems Mercer County faced were not going to be fixed in one year, and some might not even be fixed in one term,” said County Executive Benson. “Working closely with the Commissioner Board, we were able to create a budget that would work for all our residents, while saving money by not filling vacancies and delaying less time-sensitive projects.”
“Once again, in working with the Benson Administration, we have had a partner who understands our concerns and is willing to make sure we have a budget that preserves key services without over-burdening the taxpayer,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Kristin McLaughlin.
“With uncertainty coming out of Washington, the Commissioner Board was tasked with making sure the Mercer County budget could take care of our most vulnerable, while not setting us back in our progress for financial stability,” said Commissioner Vice-Chair Terrance Stokes.
The Adopted budget can be viewed at https://www.mercercounty.org/home/showpublisheddocument/34154