It has been a number of years since the voters of South Brunswick approved an open space tax of 1 cent per $100 of assessed value.
In the several years since that approval, the township has been able to buy, with the help of Middlesex County, some 600-plus acres of open space.
That is very impressive.
Members of the governing body have demonstrated their commitment to obtaining open space during those years.
Now, however, the amount coming into the coffers each year is being spent to purchase those acres.
If the township would like to buy more open space, or try to help fund the maintenance of the new acres it has purchased, more money is needed.
The laws have changed somewhat as the state becomes familiar with just how this open space financing works.
Mayor Debra Johnson and the council are asking the township attorney to see just what these funds may be used for.
We think the voters should be asked this year if they would approve an increase in the open space tax.
While we think this is a good idea, we also think that any such raise should not be earmarked for anything specific.
The money, if approved, should be used for whatever the governing body needs at that time regarding open space.