COUNTY — Union County residents should expect to see their taxes increase by about 1.75 percent this year, county officials said last week.

The increase, County Manager Edward Oatman says, will be the first of its kind in five years and comes amid statewide challenges related to inflation and supply-chain issues.

“This decision was not made lightly and we want to assure the community that every effort has been made to minimize the impact on our residents,” Mr. Oatman said, attributing the increase to “the persistent and escalating effects of inflation, increased costs throughout our operating budget and the tight labor market for the delivery of goods and services required to maintain our infrastructure.”

Among other efforts, Mr. Oatman said, this year’s budget as presented will help to fund Chairwoman Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded’s “Growing Together in Union County,” initiatives for 2024, which include new programming and accessibility options for senior citizens, women and families.

“We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we navigate these financial challenges to maintain the high quality of life that Union County residents deserve,” said Mr. Oatman, speaking Thursday during a regular meeting of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.

Other priorities for 2024 include a new county website and mobile app (which county officials say will provide easier access to payment portals, events calendars and contact information, among other resources); the implementation of new environmental initiatives like adaptive recycling programs and improvements to various county parklands and open spaces; and increased access to bilingual services and resources throughout the county.

The county’s Division of Facilities Management, meanwhile, will replace the roof at the courthouse annex, demolish and replace an existing employee parking deck in Elizabeth and renovate numerous other countyowned buildings and public spaces.

The budget is expected to be finalized and presented to the commissioner board for an official vote over the coming months.