Lincoln Park

 From the Desk of Mayor David Runfeldt

I have received many questions regarding the property re-valuation process and what it all means so far. Most important to address is that the increase you receive

in the amount of your assessment does NOT mean that your taxes are going up by the same rate. The re-valuation merely sets theoretical current market values to all property. I am sure that you will all agree that the assessed value your property had before the re-val was much lower than the market value of your property.

As all property is brought up to current market value, your tax rate will drop accordingly. The biggest concern I have heard is that the new assessed value is actually over market value. This is the result of the re-val being started when property values were near their peak, and the newnumbers given to you during the current economic downturn.

I want you all to know, that the assessment you have received is not necessarily final…there is much more work that the borough will perform on the assessments over the next few months to make them closer to market conditions at the time the numbers are finalized. I encourage all property owners to take advantage reviewing your assessment with the representatives of the re-valuation firm which is conducting the re-val for the borough.

You should receive the information on how to set up an appointment for review directly from the firm.

A few weeks ago, was the inauguration of our new President. There was much hope given during President Obama’s inauguration address.

Regardless of party affiliation, I hope that the coming years will see much progress in the quality of life for all American’s and I wish our new President much luck in achieving his goals for our great nation. The budget process has begun for the 2009 municipal budget. Budget hearings which began in January continue during this month and are open to the public. Please contact the borough clerk’s office for dates and times. We are faced once again this year with the threat of reduced aid from the state, however, we will not know exactly how much until further into the year.

Thanks to the research of Council members Ray Kerwin and Ann Thompson, the borough is looking into being included in the New Jersey Shares program.

This program offers financial assistance to families for various utilities. More information will be available from my office on how to take advantage of these programs once our participation has been finalized.