Money would be for higher open space levy
By John Tredrea
A decision on whether Hopewell Township will try increase its open space tax from 2 cents per $100 of assessed property value to 4 cents is expected during tonight’s Township Committee meeting.
The open space tax increase proposal would have to be approved in a pubic referendum. The township has until Aug. 23 to notify the county clerk’s office of an intention to put such a referendum on the ballot.
The committee on July 18 considered voting on whether it should seek voter approval the increase, but because Committeewoman Vanessa Sandom was absent, it held off on voting until all five committee members could be present.
The current open space tax rate of 2 cents means the owner of a home assessed at $200,000 pays an open space tax of $40 annually. That would be doubled to $80 annually if the proposed tax hike to 4 cents goes through.
Open space tax revenues can be used to acquire, develop and maintain lands for conservation and recreational purposes; acquire land for farmland preservation purposes; preserve historical properties; and pay debt service on all of the above.