Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes introduced his annual proposed budget in mid-February-a $278.4 million spending plan that does not include an increase in the county tax rate.

The county tax rate is expected to hold steady at .43 per $100 of assessed property value, the same rate as last year, but most residents will face a tax increase once equalization takes place. A resident's tax rate will rise or fall depending on his or her municipality once the tax rate is equalized. County taxes are equalized to reflect the difference between municipal property assessments and property market values, meaning the actual rate many property owners are charged will increase.

The plan now goes to the freehold board for review. For more information about the proposed budget visit http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001oASY3gmIavh_OMsnBZor53kZTltvoMKigjjzJPviPVdZedi0DwpCgJ4Aqry8pT3W2_y8toBMZR1dIb842lTzgdOIWsQLt4YXSPw7ffXp_gzmE4j2pwK9pCVJzwMU5hUSS-1kji8OCN9KtHHSJ_RleHF3vOubw2EBm-c-OeGr0mHzp7BQVxYySw==or call Julie Willmot in the County Executive's Office at 609-278-7137.