By: Al Wicklund
MONROE The question of whether to create a township open space fund will be on the ballot for Monroe voters in November.
The Township Council voted Monday to authorize a referendum on the funding of an open space preservation fund through the local property tax to be included on the official ballot at the general election.
The vote in November will be on whether the township should have a 1½-cent addition to the municipal tax rate for an open space fund.
"I want it clearly understood that the question will be on the ballot. It needs voter approval," said Mayor Richard Pucci.
The proposed tax increase would produce $375,000 a year for the open space fund, according to township Chief Financial Officer Wendy Matson.
It would cost the owner of a home assessed at the township average of $141,817 about $21 a year.
Ms. Matson said through bonding the fund could help provide some $4.7 million through the next 20 years.
The funds would be earmarked for open space which would include farmland preservation projects, parks and active and passive recreation areas.
Ms. Matson also said the open space fund would enable the township to qualify for a variety of state Green Acres and Open Space programs.
Township Engineer Ernie Feist said Wednesday the open space fund, in some cases, could give the township the option to make modest purchases without having to qualify for county and state programs.
