"We have taken another step forward in the Shop Hillsborough Program," Mayor Doug Tomson announced at a recent Township Committee meeting.
"The Shop Hillsborough cards have been received, and we are getting ready for the mid-September launch," he said.
To date, 30 businesses have enrolled in the Shop Hillsborough Program as participating merchants.
They are Amwell Pet Supply, Chrono Cross Fit, Culinary Creations, Dave’s Computers, East Coast Photo Booths, Gymboree Play and Music, Hapi Auto Parts, Hillsborough Massage Therapy and Hills Gallery.
Also, Jump Zone, Kings Bridge Dry Cleaners, Kumon Math and Reading Center of Hillsborough, La Costenita Mexican Grocery and Deli, Little Island Jamaican Cuisine, Mailbox Business Center, Mathnasium of Hillsborough, Newell Strength, Pheasant Landing Dry Cleaners, Pheasants Landing Restaurant and Pioneer Pet Care.
Also, Sahiba, S.A.T. Smart, Sincere Legends, Site Pro 1, Somerset Marine Lines, The Tutoring Center, The UPS Store, Vella, Singer and Martinez, PA, Willey Design and Window Accents and Flooring.
"The cards are anticipated to be mailed in mid-September with the property tax statement so be sure to be on the lookout for this very important piece of mail," Deputy Mayor Greg Burchette said.
Township officials again thanked the original sponsors of the program, which included RWJ University Hospital Somerset, Active Disposal Services Inc., Premier Disposal, Bridgewater Motorworks & Transworks, Frontier Financial Planning and Capital Management Inc., 911 Septic Pumping and Repair and the Somerset Patriots.
Originally vetted through the Economic and Business Development Commission last year, the Shop Hillsborough Program will promote local shopping while allowing card holders the opportunity to reduce their property tax bill.
All property addresses will receive a Shop Hillsborough card. Shoppers will earn property tax credits every time they provide the Shop Hillsborough Property Tax Reward Card at the time of purchase at a participating merchant.
The tax credits will be applied to the property tax bill or, in the case of a renter, a rebate check will be issued.
Individuals who work in Hillsborough, but are not property owners within the township, also can secure a card to earn the rebate as well.
"As I mentioned when this program was introduced, we are always looking at ways to save our taxpayers money, and this seems like a win, not only for our taxpayers, but for the business community, renters and those who shop and dine within Hillsborough," Mayor Tomson said.
Businesses who are interested in becoming participating merchants can contact FinCredit Inc., in care of Carmine deFalco at [email protected].

