Holmdel’s Proposed Nov. Ballot Questions: Library, Open Space Tax

HOLMDEL, NJ - Holmdel’s primary governing body is slated to introduce several proposed ballot questions at its next meeting, including if an open space tax increase is necessary and if the Holmdel Library should split from the Monmouth County Library System.

Each public question will appear on the November general election ballot if approved. Ballot questions must be sent to the county in August.

Open Space Tax Increase

According to the July 13 meeting agenda, one public question proposed seeks to increase the annual tax levy for the Holmdel Open Space Trust Fund. If approved by voters, the township committee will hold a subsequent public hearing to determine the allocation of the funds.

The question will appear as follows:

“Should Holmdel increase the levy for the existing Holmdel Open Space, Recreation, Floodplain Protection, and Farmland and Historic Preservation Trust Fund, from the currently approved and implemented annual levy of two-and-one half cents per $100 of equalized valuation to three-and-one-half cents per $100 of equalized valuation, for any or all of the statutory purposes set forth in N.J.S.A. 40:12-15.7(a)?”

According to meeting documents, the township committee is also seeking to have the following explanatory statement presented alongside the public question:

“In 1998, Holmdel voters approved the establishment of a Township Open Space Trust Fund, with a dedicated tax levy of $.01 per $100 of equalized valuation. In 2000, voters approved an increase in the collection rate to $.025 per $100 in equalized valuation. This referendum seeks voter approval for an increase in the dedicated tax levy by one cent to $.035 per $100 in equalized valuation. The increase would fund various purposes such as additional acquisitions of open space and improvements to open space and parkland properties.”

Increase Benefits For First Responders

Another public question on the agenda seeks to increase benefits for volunteer first responders under the Emergency Services Volunteer Length of Service Award Program Act (“LOSAP”), which was first authorized by Holmdel voters in 2002.

The program was “established to reward volunteer members of the Holmdel Township Fire Department and First Aid Squad for their loyal, diligent, and devoted services to the residents of the Township of Holmdel,” according to meeting documents.

While Holmdel’s LOSAP program currently provides an annual contribution of $1,150 per person, the ballot question would increase the LOSAP program annual contribution to the current maximum allowable by law ($1,580 per person), and to authorize future cost of living adjustments without the need for voter approval.

The question will appear as follows:

“Should the Township of Holmdel increase the benefits under the Emergency Services Volunteer Length of Services Award Program Act from the currently authorized amount of $1,150 per volunteer to the current maximum allowable by law for Holmdel’s program, Page 186 of 212$1,580 per volunteer, and further authorize automatic cost of living adjustments in future years?”

Charter Study Commission

Yet another public question to be introduced on July 13 seeks to probe whether a charter study commission could be elected to study Holmdel’s current form of government and consider a new charter or improvements.

“The Township Committee believes that Holmdel voters would benefit from a public question on whether to explore alternative forms of municipal government, including options that provide for the direct election of the Mayor, rather than the current system that denies voters that opportunity,” according to meeting documents.

Leaving Monmouth County Library System

Last but certainly not least, a public question asking whether Holmdel residents wish the township to withdraw from the Monmouth County Library System and establish a Holmdel Free Public Library and Learning Center at Bell Works is on the table.

“A proposed Holmdel Free Public Library would be governed by a Board of Trustees including the Mayor, Superintendent of the Holmdel Township Public Schools, President of the Holmdel Township Board of Education, and trustees appointed by the Mayor,” the proposed ordinance reads.

You can read all the proposed public questions in the meeting agenda here.

The township committee is also scheduled to hold a public hearing for whether cannabis businesses should be able to operate in the municipality. Two competing ordinances are currently on the agenda: one in favor of cannabis growers, retailers and delivery services, and the other one opposed to all forms of cannabis operations. Read more: Holmdel Committee To Introduce Pot Business Ban Ordinance July 13