Mayor Sandham Reacts to New Tax Cap

Gov. Chris Christie has signed off on the 2 percent tax cap approved by the state Assembly earlier this week.  The legislation lowers the current ceiling on year-to-year property tax increases from 4 percent to 2 percent and limits local spending.

While the bill does allow for some exceptions to the cap for certain costs, such as health care costs and pension payments, only voters can override the cap as it exists now.

According to the Associated Press, New Jersey residents have the highest property taxes in the nation at $7,300 per household on average.

Montville Mayor Jim Sandham said the 2 percent cap is a step in the right direction. He sees it as a beginning, not an end.

"This cap addresses some issues, but it's only a first step," he said. "On a state level, we have to address increasing healthcare costs, increasing pensions. All areas of spending have yet to be addressed."

Standham went on to say the cap was a "line in the sand," but he would still like to see the state take further steps to limiting spending.

'You know, you can say,  'I'm only going to spend $5,000 dollars,' and that's nice to say, but if you're still spending $8,000, you have to figure out how to get that back," he said. "We need to get there as a state. [The cap] doesn't change spending dynamics. I know the governor has a toolkit [of other legislation meant to help control costs], that should help better handle on cutting areas."

The mayor pointed to Montville as an example of a town trying to get its costs under control, citing to the town's low budget increases, reorganization of staff and low debt.

"We embarked five years ago with a focus on getting the township a strong financial footing," he said. "I'm honestly quite proud of where we are now."

The Assembly passed the bill on Monday, July 11, with an overwhelming 73-4 voting result. The state Senate voted last week, approving the bill 53-3.

The next township committee meeting is set for July 27, 8 p.m. at the municipal building.