We are being buried alive by municipal taxes, county taxes, regional and local school taxes, library taxes, water and sewer taxes, fire district taxes, local and county open space taxes. And, if you think elected officials are genuinely worried about killing us, you are sadly mistaken. They must live in some alternate universe where no one has all- consuming personal problems putting limits on their ability to attend meetings or to research the veracity of claims of Armageddon if one or another spending proposal is voted down.
On November 7, you will be asked to vote to increase the Monmouth County open space tax from 1.5 cents to 2.75 cents, generating $33 million in revenue annually. An example is given that on an assessment of $400,000, a property owner currently pays $60 per year and, with a tax rate of 2.75 cents, that would increase to $110 a year. Doesn't sound like much, does it? Except that most of us are facing increases in our municipal taxes, county taxes, regional and local school taxes, library taxes, water and sewer taxes, fire district taxes, and local open space taxes! In Colts Neck, we are being asked to increase the open space tax from 1.2 cents to 2.5 cents, essentially doubling the dollar amount individual homeowners pay for this purpose. Additionally, we might have increased medical expenses, or home maintenance expenses, or may be facing additional federal taxation. We fear the future because we live in the real world, not in a political world that expeditiously focuses on feel good issues when wanting more of our tax dollar. Who doesn't want clean drinking water and public parks? But, if you pay attention, the increased revenue is also going to provide public recreational opportunities: No thanks. I have other things to worry about right now. I'm sure you do too!
Let's send the message that we would like to catch our breath before voting ourselves more tax increases. I'm sending the message by voting NO on both proposals.
