New Jersey considers property tax increase amid doubts

As the New Jersey Senate votes on a bill to cap property tax increases at two-percent, some elected officials are expressing concerns.

Mayors from several of New Jersey’s cities and towns told the Assembly Budget Committee the cap won’t work unless lawmakers also approve the so-called tool-kit proposals to help control local costs.

Mayor of Elizabeth New Jersey, Chris Bollwage says the cap will hinder the city’s ability to grow.

“It will cause the big cities throughout New Jersey to force themselves into either major layoffs or property tax increases or some combination of both,” she says.

Assembly Republican budget officer Joe Malone says while it may be a challenge, the mayors need to take action to streamline local government.

“The public is expecting something different of government as we move forward and I know it might be difficult, but we’re going to have to find a way to make this thing work.”

Malone says it may take until the fall to complete legislative reviews and vote on the Governor’s tool-kit package.