Monday, April 15, 2013
Commercial properties share the burden with South Brunswick taxpayers. We've got the top 10 taxpayers in the township.
As the township and the school district solidify the 2013 budget, taxpayers are digging their feet in to prepare for the tax bill. But fear not, South Brunswick residents, you aren't alone. The top 10 highest tax bills of 2012 in South Brunswick belong to commercial properties, a fact that can provide, maybe, a little solace as you write the check. Top 10 taxpayers of 2012 in South Brunswick*: 10. M W ASSOCIATES, $623,931.08 355 DAVIDSONS MILL ROAD 9. CANON USA $668,934.49 100 RIDGE ROAD 8. FORSGATE INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX, $680,834.92 77 DEANS RHODE HALL RD 7. AMB PROPERTY CORP., TAX COORDINATOR, $693,063.96 204 DOCKS CORNER ROAD 6. 426 ROYAL LLC Shopping Center, $874,361.42 4095 US ROUTE #1 5. HELLER SBIP…
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
New Jersey homeowners experience smallest tax increase in more than two decades.
An increase to South Brunswick homeowner taxes mirrored the state average last year, as New Jersey finally experienced long awaited tax relief in 2012. South Brunswick's average total tax bill was $8,520.57 last year, which remained above the state average of $7,870.28, but fell in line with the statewide average increase of 1.7 percent, according to Star-Ledger analysis. The Star-Ledger noted that property taxes statewide rose 2.4 percent in 2011, the first year Gov. Chris Christie’s 2 percent cap was in effect. But the trend of lower increases could be reversed because of Hurricane Sandy, according to the report. The statewide 1.7 percent increase was the smallest bump since 1991, and local property taxes rose by a smaller percentage …
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Nearly 400 tax appeals filed as township looks for ways to mitigate impact on the budget.
As property values continue to decline, tax appeals in South Brunswick have increased exponentially this year. In 2012, 391 tax appeals were filed in the township, up from about 180 appeals in 2011. "Anytime you get the number of tax appeals that we have, it becomes a major problem," said Mayor Frank Gambatese. "We're now up to 391 appeals, after we lost $100 million last year, so it's a major concern. There's not much we can do, with the true value of homes dropping to 45 percent." In 2011, approximately 100 companies successfully sued the township for a tax reduction, which resulted in the loss of over $100 million in ratables. Of that total, $98.5 million came from commercial and industrial tax appeals. The township ratable base …
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
‘Tax cuts’ seem like a solution, but neither the Republicans nor the Democrats have a workable plan in place.
- OPINION
-
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
By Joel L. Naroff [Joel L. Naroff is the president and founder of Naroff Economic Advisors, a strategic economic consulting firm. He advises companies across the country on the risks and opportunities that economic developments may have on the organization’s operating environment. In 2011, he received the National Association for Business Economics Outlook Award as the top economic forecaster.] Recently, I was asked to comment about the 2012 State Business Tax Climate Index report that was released by the Tax Foundation in late January. The index, which is a composite of five different taxes -- corporate, individual, sales, unemployment, and property tax -- was developed to provide a simple way to compare tax burdens across the nation. Not…
Monday, April 30, 2012
In Middlesex County, we mailed in an average $1,587 to the NJ government.
Last Tuesday was tax day, one of the most universally hated days of the year by citizens. But the New Jersey government loves it. Or, at least, needs it. NJ Spotlight’s latest interact map looks at the tax stats -- the number of returns, total income and the change from 2008, taxable income, the total tax liability and average incomes and tax bills per return and per capita. Read the story here and use the map to learn more. Here are Middlesex County's numbers: Middlesex County Returns: 357,347 Total Income: $23,674,151,500 Change from 2008: $(314,837,500) Percent change: -1.3% Taxable Income: $20,857,991,800 Tax Charged: $567,149,700 Average Total Income: $66,250 Average Taxable Income: $58,369 Average Net Tax: $1,587 Total Income Per …
Friday, April 27, 2012
The South Brunswick Township Council voted unanimously to adopt the municipal budget earlier this week.
As expected, the Township Council approved a $47.9 million budget that keeps the tax rate at 72 cents per $100 of assessed valuation Tuesday evening. The council began the budget process looking at a 10-cent tax rate increase, but whittled that amount down while analyzing about 700 line items in this year's budget. "All of us take this job seriously, particularly when crafting the municipal budget," said Councilman Charles Carley. "All of us have a dedication to make sure, with what we have control of, that we can make a positive difference." Last month, the township introduced a $48.2 million budget with a 4 percent increase to the municipal portion of the tax bill, from 72 cents to 75 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The council was…
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Residents will have a chance to comment on the proposed municipal budget before the Township Council votes on its adoption.
The South Brunswick Township Council will hold a public hearing on the 2012 municipal budget before voting on a resolution to adopt the spending plan at tonight's meeting. The $47.9 million budget holds the tax rate firm from last year at about 72 cents per $100 of assessed valuation. "I know that the professional staff has worked very hard on this budget and to hold the tax rate steady," said Councilman John O'Sullivan at the last council meeting. "The council members have also worked diligently on this, which required a review of over 700 line items and much correspondence between the council and the professional staff. I’m happy to note that we have not had to resort to furloughs and layoffs for this budget." Last month, the township …
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
South Brunswick Township Council lowers settlement threshold hoping to stem the tide of dropping ratables.
With declining ratables impacting both municipal and school tax rates, the township is lowering the threshold for settlements on tax appeals. Previously, any settlement on a tax appeal that was greater than $50,000 had to be brought by the South Brunswick Tax Assessor to the Township Council for approval. At last week's meeting, the council lowered the settlement limit from $50,000 to $25,000. "In the past, the assessor had latitude to negotiate at a maximum of $50,000. Where that really comes into play is with the business community," said Public Affairs Coordinator Ron Schmalz. "Over the last few years the assessor has been doing a good job, but administration wasn't aware what was going on with the appeals and the values were dropping …
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Cost-saving measures like eliminating the township Health Department and spending down the unused snow budget are also being discussed.
The Township Council is continuing to look for ways to reduce a municipal tax increase, while some difficult decisions regarding services for residents are being discussed. Last month, a proposed $48.2 million municipal budget was introduced with a 4 percent increase to the municipal portion of the tax bill, from 72 cents per $100 of assessed valuation to 75 cents. The council has since reduced the 3-cent increase to 1.6 cents, prior to last night's budget meeting. "I've been pretty clear that I think we have to get the increase down to zero. I don't think it's out of the question," Councilman Joseph Camarota said Tuesday morning. "It's something that would be very hard to do. We don't want to do more furloughs and lay people off. So to …
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Budget reduces overall tax levy, but tax rate increases due to drop in township ratables.
The down economy will continue to affect the tax bills of residents after the South Brunswick Board of Education adopted a $138 million spending plan at last night's meeting. The budget, which increased by 1.15 percent over last year, lowers the general fund tax levy by about $630,000 to $96.2 million, but the tax rate will increase by about 5-cents to $2.85 per $100 of assessed valuation. The owner of a township home with an assessed value of $200,000 will see their school taxes go up by about $100, while the owner of a home assessed at $300,000 will see an increase of about $148 in school taxes next year. "We're asking for a small increase in operating expenses. When you look at the cost of gas, we know we needed a small increase in the…
Concerned Citizen
2:38 pm on Monday, April 15, 2013
I agree with Matt V. Multiple families living in single unit homes are taking advantage of the rest of us. Let them pay their fare share. more ›