Voters will head to the polls in the November general election to decide whether or not to support the creation of an Open Space tax that would be dedicated specifically to funding citywide recreation improvements, park maintenance and upgrades, and historic preservation projects, as prescribed by state law.
The Bordentown City Commissioners approved an ordinance for a binding referendum after a second reading and final adoption during a special meeting on July 30. Commissioner Heather Cheesman put forth the measure after public feedback and looking at options to bring in revenue into the city.
The open space tax is proposed to range from $.01 to $.04 cents annual per every $100 of assessed home value.
Mayor Jennifer Sciortino said every one cent raises approximately $30,000 in the bank.
“… It won’t be an astronomical amount, but we would have enough to help us to do capital improvements without having to borrow [funds],” she said, adding that the city borrows on any type of investment because funds have been “so tight.”
The open space tax revenue would be dedicated specifically to funding citywide recreation improvements, park maintenance and upgrades, historic preservation projects, Blue Acres initiatives, and debt payments related to any initiatives that fall in those specific areas.
Sciortino said the tax will be on a sliding scale depending on the needs of the city. These decisions will be determined every budget year and the public will be able to hold city officials fiscally accountable through public hearings.
