Patch Asks: Would You Keep the Open Space Tax?

During Thursday's Township Committee meeting, Horseshoe Lane resident Joe Lakatos said the township should consider eliminating the open space property tax, currently at 3.6-cents per $100 assessed value.

The tax adds $216 to the property tax bill of residents owning property assessed at $600,000, the township average. Currently, the open space trust fund has about $1.5 million.

His comment came after the committee discussed using funds collected by the tax for improvements on the municipal basketball courts, and possibly, a new facility at Wagner Farms.

The ordinance authorizing the tax, which was approved by voters, permits the use of open space funds collected for the purchase of land, as well as constructing recreational and public use facilities on township open space lands.

But Lakatos said he believes the money is being used for things other than open space land purchases, and that the tax should be eliminated or reduced, as voters have done in Bridgewater and Basking Ridge.

"I'd like to see Warren cut or eliminate the open space tax because the longer it continues, the more things it will be used for," Lakatos said. "In these kinds of economic times, any help that residents can get by eliminating taxes will be appreciated."

Voters approved the tax—and would need to approve any changes. Since it's too late to add to the Nov. 8 ballot, Deputy Mayor Carolann Garafola said the committee could discuss adding the question to the 2012 ballots.

But what do you think? Has the tax helped protect Warren's rural spaces or prevent development as intended? Is it appropriate to use funds for projects on land purchased with open space tax receipts?

Add your comments and vote in the poll.