RED BANK - Schwabenbauer Jacks up Taxes and Parking Fees

Red Bank - Linda Schwabenbauer is losing the support of Red Bank residents after leading increases in property taxes and parking fees in the borough. Her 2014 campaign promised fiscal conservatism. But, once in the majority, Schwabenbauer crafted a budget that included a property tax increase of more than $675,000.00 and doubled parking fees downtown, causing angst and resentment among residents and business owners.

Schwabenbauer, a Republican, stated in her 2014 anti-property tax campaign, “a tax increase is the last place we go.” Yet, in her first budget in the majority and while serving as budget chairperson, Schwabenbauer proposed a tax levy increase of $676,304.00, a measure rejected by Democrats.

Schwabenbauer also took fire from residents and downtown business leaders over her plan to generate additional revenue by doubling downtown parking fees, what some criticize as a “hidden tax.” In 2014, before Schwabenbauer’s election to the Red Bank Borough Council, parking fees amounted to $552,667.00 imposed on users. Since Schwabenbauer’s election, that fee has more than doubled, increasing to $1,135,000.00.

Schwabenbauer is facing criticism from her own party for “breaking promises.” She faces a difficult re-election this year, in the face of tax and fee increases and angst coming from her own supporters.

Election Day is on Tuesday, November 7th.