How one community is thriving

By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

In January, The Erickson Tribune reported on New Jersey’s looming property tax payment and possible—yet dubious—solutions.

April 3 answered any questions as Governor Jon Corzine signed off on measures to help ease the state’s tax burden. According to the Office of the Governor, the reformed Homestead Rebate Program will credit qualified homeowners up to 20% on taxes paid in 2006 and cap local tax bill increases at 4% a year.

Patiently ‘checking’ in
Homeowners have waited patiently for the changes to take effect while they have also dreaded yet another four-to five-figure payment due August 1. To add insult to injury, those who filed for the Homestead Rebate Program by June 1 won’t see their check until after the tax due date— in early August, according to Mark Perkiss, spokesman for the Department of the Treasury.

Perkiss could not comment on the amount of the August 1 payment. However, he did say, “Most seniors this year will see slightly higher rebates than last year.”

But while younger homeowners will see their credits almost triple from 2006, those 65 and older won’t see as much change from last year’s $1,250 credit.

One community’s solution
Even with Corzine’s reform, New Jersey’s property taxes will continue to hold the number one spot in the nation.

One community, Cedar Crest in Pompton Plains, has been able to offer a solution to the people who live there. “Cedar Crest pays property taxes, yes. But they are spread out across the whole community so, in a way, everyone receives a group discount,” says Lisa Bentson, one of the community’s two retirement counselors.

Helen Waldrop, Cedar Crest’s second retirement counselor, adds, “Each person’s property taxes are included in the monthly service fee, so they don’t have to cut a huge check every quarter.”