The Numbers Don't Lie, Rams Moving on Up, The Guv. is Coming | cnbnews.net
Monday, January 09, 2012
by Bill Cleary
THE NUMBERS DON’T LIE-New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s push to restrain local levies might be working according to a study of community taxes by The Star Ledger. The detailed investigation showed state homeowners paid an average of 2.4 percent more for property taxes in 2011, the smallest increase in nearly two decades.
The Star-Ledger analysis of taxes in all 566 New Jersey towns shows the average property tax bill was $7,758 last year, an increase of just $182.
The last time property taxes rose by such a small rate was 1992, when they went up 1.9 percent, according to state figures.
The data was compiled from numbers released by the state Department of Community Affairs and county boards of taxations.
Looking for who pays the highest taxes in South Jersey that distinction belongs to Tavistock, population 5, with an average tax bill of $22,297 annually for county, school and local services.
Who pays the highest taxes in the state?
That unpopular honor goes to Loch Arbour Village, Monmouth County. With a total population of 194, the average property tax in that community is $22,715.
A further look at the numbers shows that residents in area communities pay:
TOWN COUNTY TAX SCHOOL LOCAL Avg Bill
Audubon 23% 50% 26% $6,062
Brooklawn 27% 31% 42% $3,804
Bellmawr 24% 46% 30% $5,281
Burlington City 15% 52% 33% $4,355
Cinnaminson 16% 66% 19% $6,767
Gloucester City 26% 21% 53% $3,793
Mount Ephraim 21% 51% 28% $5,721
Westville 17% 55% 28% $4,888
Woodbury 15% 49% 36% $6,066
To view the information go here http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/01/nj_property_tax_increase.html
RAMS MOVING ON UP-The Deptford Planning Board on Thursday, January 5 formally approved a resolution for Gloucester Catholic High School (GCHS) to construct 11 athletic fields in Deptford Township. The approximate cost for the venture, to be built on land near Blackwood-Barnswood Road, is $4.5 million. The property, owned by the Camden Diocese, has been given to the school.
Gus Ostrum, GCHS Director of Institutional Advancement, said the school is putting together a committee to help raise donations from alumni. ”We are in the early stages of forming that group. Once everything is in place for the committee we will make an announcement. ”
Asked about GCHS moving the high school from Gloucester City to that site, Ostrum said that is not being discussed at this time. “Maybe someday in the distant future. At this time there are no plans to move the high school.” The school has been in Gloucester City for 80 years.
Phase one of the plans include the construction of two football fields, three field hockey fields and a gravel parking lot with 115 spaces to the north of Blackwood-Barnsboro Road.
Phases two and three are to include two baseball fields, two softball fields, one soccer field, a stadium with a synthetic turf, multi-use field, and 421 additional parking spaces.
School officials are hoping the fields will be read in time for the 2012-2013 school year that begins in September.
NOTE: The Governor’s Town Hall in Voorhees on Thursday (January 12th) has been postponed due to unforeseen and unfortunate circumstances. A reschedule date and time will be announced in the near future.
THE GOV. IS COMING!-Governor Chris Christie will be in South Jersey on Thursday, January 12. He is holding a town hall meeting at the Voorhees Town Center, 2400 Center Blvd., starting at 3PM. The doors will open at 2PM. If you plan on attending you must register in advance. RSVP at this website.
