PLUMSTED		TOWNSHIP
Pride in Plumsted, the State's Center

Town Talk

With the N.J. Legislature adopting the State budget on June 23^rd and finalizing the Municipal Aid appropriations, Plumsted Township’s $3,693,510 Municipal 2008 Budget will officially be $2,952 lower in spending and $10,412 lower in taxes then last year. The Township Committee’s 2008 budget does not increase the municipal tax rate of nine (9) cents per $100 of assessed valuation, despite a decline in the Township’s ratable base due to the current real estate market conditions. The net loss in revenues, as a result of the decline in the tax ratable base, was approximately $10,000. It was the decision of the Township Committee to help offset this loss of revenue by suspending its’ annual salary of about $3,700 this year (the Committee does not receive any benefits).

The owner of a $384,000 home, the Township average, will have no increase in the annual $345 municipal government portion of this year’s property tax bill. The county-wide average for the annual municipal government portion of property tax bills is $1,327, nearly four (4) times higher than Plumsted’s $345. The Statewide average for the annual municipal government portion of property tax bills is $1,767, about five (5) times higher than Plumsted’s $345.

Residents are encouraged to attend and support the return of “Cruz Nites,” featuring the display of classic and antique cars, to the New Egypt Downtown Main Street, on the second Thursday of each month, from July 10^th to September 11^th (6 to 9 pm).

            Residents are reminded and encouraged to attend the Township’s Council for the Arts Summer events in Downtown New Egypt. The next event is on Saturday afternoon, July 12^th, from 1 to 4pm, where you can linger over lunch at the Taster’s Canvas and enjoy the “blues” with live entertainment and music of the “Bakin’ Fat” group.

Plumsted’s annual Fireworks display, art festival and concert are on Saturday, July 5^th, at the New Egypt High School Fields, on Evergreen Road. The festival opens at 3pm with food, vendors, games, arts and crafts, pony rides, attractions and much more. For more information contact Al Hutchins at 609-758-3005. During the Independence Holiday weekend, the public is reminded that the Township’s recycling center, bulk waste disposal and leaf / branch sites are closed on Saturday, July 5^th.

            The next regularly scheduled public meetings with the new administration of Township Committee members Dave Leutwyler, Steve Reed, Eric Sorchik, Deputy Mayor Mike McCue and Mayor Ron Dancer is Wednesday, August 6^th at 8:00 P.M.  Public comments and participation are encouraged at all Township Committee meetings. . Browse the Township website: www.plumsted.org and www.mainstreetne.org for more information and current events.

            As a result of the new Township Committee meeting schedule, the dates for the monthly one-on-one personal meeting sessions with Mayor Ron Dancer at the Library every month have also been revised. In 2007, meet personally with the Mayor at the Library on the second (2nd) Wednesday of each month (July 9^th) from 7 to 9 p.m. to discuss local concerns or State issues. Residents may call the Library (758-7888) in advance to schedule a specific time for your convenience. The Mayor encourages residents to contact him anytime at 758-2241x102 Township / 758-3497 Home / r.s.dancer@att.net

           Can't get to the meetings or the hours scheduled at the library. To discuss your concerns and issues personally with the mayor, click for more information.

For Federal issues, contact our Congressman Chris Smith at 609-585-7878 and for County matters, contact Freeholder Director, Joe Vicari at 1-800-722-0291. Browse the Township website: www.plumsted.org and www.mainstreetne.org or www.downtownnewegyptnpp.org for more information and current events.

Ron Dancer, Mayor

609-758-2241 Township - Ext 102

609-758-3497 Home

Email: r.s.dancer@att.net

www.plumsted.org