Taxes steady despite park, facility projects
2007 improvements include more ballfields and new senior center
BY JESSICA SMITH
Staff Writer

MONROE - Residents will not face an increase in municipal taxes this year.

Mayor Richard Pucci issued his 2007 budget message Monday, stating that the owner of the average-assessed home in the township will continue to pay $981 in municipal taxes, which is the same as the past two years. Municipal taxes are one portion of the property tax bill. School, county and fire district taxes are the other components.

"We pride ourselves on the fact that, year in, year out, we have one of the lowest, if not the lowest, tax rate in the state," Pucci said.

The municipal tax comprises 18 percent of the total yearly property tax bill in Monroe, and is the only portion under the direct jurisdiction of the mayor and Township Council. The Board of Education generates the largest part of property taxes, at 59 percent. Following behind are the county and fire districts, at 17 percent and 6 percent, respectively.

The 2007 municipal budget introduced Monday stands at $37.9 million.

Pucci's budget statement highlighted some of the goals of the township for the year ahead. Open space and land preservation will remain a priority with the help of funding from Middlesex County and New Jersey Green Acres. Keeping residential housing growth in check will also be a continued objective, Pucci said.

Plans for improvements in parks and recreation facilities include the awarding of a bid for the first phase of improvements at Outcalt Park, an expansion of the baseball fields at James Monroe Park, and a new soccer field complex on Prospect Plains Road.

Pavements and improvements to about 5 miles of roads is in the works through the township Public Works Department's in-house paving program. A traffic signal at the busy intersection of Perrineville and Schoolhouse roads is planned to be put in some time this spring. The expansion of the park-and-ride facility on Applegarth Road will bring an additional 40 parking spaces for commuters.

Architecture and site design for the new senior center is ongoing, and bids are awaited on both the community center and library expansion projects. The larger library will be enhanced by the purchase of books and resource materials.

The capital budget for the upcoming projects and improvements totals $5,530,000, with 9 percent of that coming from a county grant.

The mayor compared Monroe's property tax rates to those of Old Bridge and East Brunswick. In 2006, he stated, taxes in Old Bridge were 17 percent higher, and in East Brunswick they were 24 percent higher.

Pucci also touted the real estate market in town, saying many people are drawn to live in Monroe. While new home sales reached a total of 587 last year, he said, about half of those sales took place in retirement communities, thereby not contributing to school costs.

"The real estate industry considers Monroe Township one of the premiere residential communities in Middlesex County, primarily due to our beautiful landscape, low property taxes, low crime rate and the quality of municipal services and schools."

The mayor offered thanks to all of those who serve the town and its residents in various capacities.

"Our positive record of achievement in the past is primarily due to a continued effort of everyone working together in a united way for the betterment of our community," Pucci stated. "All Monroe residents can take pride in a great past, and can look forward to an even better future."