(WHITE TWP, NJ – February 2, 2023) – Warren County government’s 2023 budget process is nearing completion with the Board of County Commissioners having held its final public work session dedicated to determining the budget for this year.

Throughout January, the Board met on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings to review budget proposals from department heads as they examined every item in the 2023 spending plan. The Commissioners also heard public comments as they worked to prepare a conscientious budget that continues the tradition of fiscal responsibility on behalf of the taxpayers.

The financial review went smoothly enough that the Board did not need to use all of the scheduled budget work sessions, and canceled ones that had been set for Feb. 1 and Feb. 4.

“This is my third county budget and I’m still in awe of how organized, detailed, and informative our budget process is,” Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla said. “These Wednesday and Saturday meetings have kept us on track and have allowed us to meet with most of our departments to discuss upcoming projects and initiatives. These meetings being open to the public also provide the transparency our residents deserve,” she noted.

“The process in its entirety leads to meaningful choices with an eye towards protecting our residents’ tax dollars,” Ciesla said, adding, “I’d like to thank our department heads, staff, administrator, and CFO (chief financial officer) for all their hard work. Our budget is the epitome of fiscal responsibility.”

“When I was elected Freeholder in 2010, the county was over $17 million in debt, now 13 years later we have virtually no debt and that is thanks to smart and fiscally responsible budgets,” Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski said.

“A lot of work has gone into this budget, hours and hours have been put in by all our professionals and this board has been meeting all month to work through it and ensure we deliver the best we can. I want to thank Warren County’s Chief Financial Officer, Kim Francisco, our county Administrator, Alex J. Lazorisak, and all our departments. We gave them a hard task to ensure the best for our tax payers and they met the challenge,” Sarnoski commented.

“I think this plan is the most financially responsible with the taxpayer’s money,” James R. Kern III noted. “This board does its due diligence to think ahead and plan accordingly so that we can have a balanced budget, keep a healthy surplus in the bank, and continue to have the lowest tax burden on our residents as possible,” Kern added.

The Commissioners anticipate introducing the 2023 budget at the meeting of February 22, 2023 at 6 p.m., with a public hearing and final adoption scheduled for March. Once introduced, the budget will be available for public review on the budget page of the Warren County website. 

The Board of County Commissioners listen and respond to public comments during the last budget session of 2023. (Left to Right) Warren County Chief Financial Officer Kim Francisco, Commissioner James R. Kern III, Commissioner Director Lori Ciesla, Commissioner Jason J. Sarnoski, County Administrator Alex J. Lazorisak, and Deputy Clerk of the Board Tracy L. Matlock.