Earlier this month, Mount Laurel residents received unwelcome news with the receipt of estimated tax bills due on August 1, 2020. The mailing was prompted by encouragement of the State to send estimated bills pending certification of the tax rate which had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In many cases, people were surprised to see substantial increases in the monies owed. Given the economic shutdown caused by the pandemic many residents were angered by the unwelcome surprise. This development was preceded by the County Freeholders voting for a tax increase in the pandemic. Residents were rightly angered that government entities were looking to them for more tax monies after Governor Murphy had required the shutdown of the economy.
However, the increased estimated taxes were not because of Mount Laurel Township. Mount Laurel’s Township Council has avoided increasing taxes by exercising sound fiscal discipline. Rather the increase in estimated taxes was due to other agencies such as Burlington County, Mount Laurel Schools, Lenape Regional High School District and the Mount Laurel Fire District.
Unfortunately, the tax amount remains the same regardless of which government entity
prompted the increase. However, knowing which agency prompted the increase is important as we approach the November election. Voters would be well served to consider the tax policies of the various candidates. In short, we get what we vote for so you might as well know what you are getting. Let’s all do our homework and vote intelligently.
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