By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
The check is in the mail the first of what Lawrence Township officials hope will be many from nonprofit groups and agencies that have been asked to pay at least a portion of the municipal property taxes that would have been due if they were not tax exempt.
SERV Behavioral Health System Inc., which operates a group home on Darrah Lane, sent a check for $2,101.97 earlier this month in response to a letter from Mayor Jim Kownacki seeking voluntary contributions from nonprofit groups or agencies.
Under state law, nonprofits do not have to pay property taxes.
But Township Council mailed letters to more than 50 nonprofit organizations and educational institutions last month, seeking a voluntary contribution equivalent to 25 percent of their potential municipal property tax bill.
The 90 parcels owned by the tax-exempt organizations are assessed at $287.6 million for property tax purposes. They would generate $2.5 million in municipal property taxes enough to close the municipal budget gap but the council sought a 25 percent voluntary contribution from each that amounts to $625,000.
The letters grew out of Township Council’s discussion of tax-exempt organizations at its June 6 meeting. Municipal Manager Richard Krawczun told the council that the lack of property tax payments from the nonprofit and tax-exempt groups was mentioned by three township residents who volunteered to review the proposed 2012 municipal budget.
Mayor Kownacki pointed out that Lawrence Township is responsible for providing for public safety and public health, as well as maintaining municipal roads, buildings and parks. Residents, businesses and visitors benefit from those services, as do the tax-exempt property owners in the community, he said.
That point was acknowledged by SERV Behavioral System Inc. in an Aug. 6 letter to Mayor Kownacki that accompanied the check.
”SERV Behavioral Health System has enjoyed the support of the township and our neighbors. I realize that we make use of the services provided by the township and we feel that it is appropriate to make this contribution,” wrote Gary Van Nostrand, SERV’s president and chief executive officer.

