Hunterdon County’s independent auditor, following completion of the 2022 Audit of County finances, advised the Board of Commissioners this week that there were no findings required to be reported in accordance with Government Auditing Standards – a so called ‘clean audit’ for the eighth straight year.
The Auditor’s findings again reinforce the fact of the County’s strong system of financial and accounting controls, with great credit due to the Finance Department.
Good Records Help To Make Good Budgets
Vigilant and knowledgeable control over how and where the taxpayers’ dollars are expended is a significant part of the strategy that has helped the Commissioner Board a freeze in the tax rate for the last five years. As a member of the Budget Committee for the past four years, I have found the detailed accounting of all the various Departments’ expenditures to be valuable in budget decision making. And having the independent auditor validate that accounting record enhances our confidence.
You can view the 2023 County Budget here
County Joins Regional Group Seeking Pharma Hub To Benefit Employment Opportunities
The Commissioner Board recently approved Hunterdon County joining a regional consortium that includes Rutgers University and the State Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), seeking to develop and enhance the pharmaceutical industry and job sector in the region.
Regional Collaboration Is The Key
The consortium effort is a collaboration intended to foster innovation, research, and development within the pharmaceutical field, which will benefit County residents by helping to create jobs and long-term economic stability.
The consortium, which includes Somerset and Union Counties, Bristol Myers Squib and BASF, as well as the Greater Raritan Workforce Development Board and Raritan Valley Community College, will seek to gain funding from the U.S. Economic Development Authority’s (USEDA) CHIPS and Science Act. The $500 million national grant fund’s aim is to promote innovation and technology deployment by creating clusters of businesses, communities, universities, and workers that will work together to accelerate technological advancements in the United States.
Hunterdon Uniquely Situated To Aid Federal Grant Request
I believe the addition of Hunterdon County to the consortium will improve the consideration
of approval of the region’s grant request by the USEDA.
For, as my colleague, Deputy Board Director Jeff Kuhl, stated when the Board’s approval was granted, "The Hunterdon County population is one of the most educated and skilled in the United States. Our workforce has been the engine for growth New Jersey's bio/life sector for many years and will continue to be so.”
League of Conservation Voters Endorse Van Doren For Re-election
I am proud to have been endorsed for re-election to the Hunterdon County Commissioner Board by the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (LCV), the leading political voice for the environment in New Jersey. As a major proponent and supporter of environmental protection and preserving farmland and open space during my time not only as a Hunterdon County Commissioner for the last six years, but also previously while serving on the Tewksbury Township Committee, I believe in the balance between protecting the environment and supporting economic growth.
Hunterdon Land Preservation Continues To Grow
Hunterdon County has preserved over 36,000 acres of farmland and 9000 acres of open space over the years. During 2023 the County added over 100 more acres of farmland and open space to the list of preserved properties.
The LCV considers records of officeholders on key issues including improving air quality, reducing flooding, and preserving open space.
“New Jersey LCV is proud to have a strong slate of endorsed candidates for county and local offices across our state,” said Julia Somers, New Jersey LCV Board Chair. “We have a strenuous endorsement process and we want New Jerseyans to know which of their local elected officials support the environment.”
County Parks Offer Many Opportunities For Nature and Outdoor Fun
