Towns Need 'Fair Share' from Energy Tax Receipt Fund, Greenstein Says

State Sen. Linda Greenstein spoke out about money from energy tax receipts not being returned to municipalities during the public comment portion of East Windsor Township’s March 7 council meeting.

“The state has been collecting money for the towns and the state gradually began to use the money to fill in budget gaps,” Greenstein said, noting that the cuts are impacting property taxes in municipalities. 

East Windsor has not received $2.8 million from the state in 2012, which is about 25 percent of the local municipal tax residents’ pay, according to Mayor Janice Mironov.

Over the past 10 years, the Township has been shorted about $12.7 million, Mironov said. 

“It’s a tremendous frustration to us,” Mironov said. “It’s very upsetting that our money is being withheld from us and being used for other purposes.”

Greenstein introduced legislation in the state senate hoping to make a change, and said municipalities need to get their “fair share” from the Energy Tax Receipt fund.

“As the state moves into another budget cycle, reducing property taxes must be a top priority. But in order to see real property tax relief, we must give our mayors the tools necessary so they continue to provide high quality services their residents need, while maintaining a balanced budget,” Greenstein staid. 

Editor's Note: This article was updated March 13 to reflect the correct amount the Township has not received from the state.