From the desk of the Council President, Carmen F. Amato, Jr. - 12.2010
Since my selection as Council President, we as a Council have fought to make Berkeley Township government transparent and accessible to all of our residents.
Changes include the institution of a "fair and open" hiring process for all professionals. We have also put our meeting agendas, meeting minutes and approved ordinances on-line for our residents to easily review. Please visit berkeleytownship.org , click Departments and go to Clerk.
Recently, we took steps to begin video taping our Council meetings so they can be broadcast on cable television to households throughout the township. Soon, following the events of you local government will be as easy as clicking your remote control.
We’re also working together with our state lawmakers and have supported various pieces of legislation that would reduce property taxes for our homeowners.
The 2010 Budget adopted by the Council eliminated a proposed $3 million spending increase, meaning the municipal portion of your tax bill has remained the same as in 2009. In fact, many homeowners actually saw a reduction in their 4th quarter bill compared to their 3rd quarter taxes.
The Council is also taking important action to control the township's debt, which has not increased in 2010.
In the aftermath of the township wide revaluation, many homeowners have experienced a great increase in their assessed valuation. As a result, we have sought legislation allowing municipalities to phase in the results of the revaluation over a 5-year period. This would allow those residents hardest hit to better prepare and plan for the increase in taxes as a result of the new assessments.
However, those residents who had been over assessed and have been paying more than their fair share of property taxes will see their new lower evaluations take effect immediately.
To further lessen the burden on our homeowners, the Council reduced the interest charged for late payment of taxes and extended the deadline for 3rd and 4th quarter tax payments an additional 20 days.
We have also hired Martin Appraisal Associates, an independent real estate appraiser to review and audit the work of the revaluation company, as a whole, to make sure it was done accurately and fairly to all homeowners.
All in all, it's been a challenging year for us. You have our pledge that we will continue to find ways to reduce township expenses while delivering the outstanding services our homeowners expect. If you have any suggestions please feel free to contact me at Carmen@carmenamato.com Or 732-244-7400 ext:205.